MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Compounds of the following formula are provided for use with MEK: 
                         
wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/987,279, filed Nov. 12, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds that may be used to inhibit Mitogen-Activated Protein kinases (also known as MEK and MAPK/ERK kinases), such as Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1 (also known as MAPKK1, MAPK/ERK Kinase 1, and MEK1) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 2 (also known as MAPKK2, MAPK/ERK Kinase 2, and MEK2), as well as compositions of matter, kits and articles of manufacture comprising these compounds. The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting MEK and/or ERK activity, and treatment methods using compounds according to the present invention. In addition, the invention relates to methods of making the compounds of the present invention, as well as intermediates useful in such methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are involved in cellular events such as growth, differentiation and stress responses (J. Biol. Chem. (1993) 268, 14553-14556). Four parallel MAPK pathways have been identified to date: ERK1/ERK2, JNK, p38 and ERK5. These pathways are linear kinase cascades in that MAPKKK phosphorylates and activates MAPKK, and MAPKK phosphorylates and activates MAPK. To date, seven MAPKK homologs (MEK1, MEK2, MKK3, MKK4/SEK, MEK5, MKK6, and MKK7) and four MAPK families (ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and ERK5) have been identified. Activation of these pathways regulates the activity of a number of substrates through phosphorylation. These substrates include: transcription factors such as TCF, c-myc, ATF2 and the AP-1 components, fos and Jun; cell surface components EGF-R; cytosolic components including PHAS-I, p90^(rsk), cPLA₂ and c-Raf-1; and cytoskeleton components such as tau and MAP2. MAPK signaling cascades are involved in controlling cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress responses.

Of the known MAPK signaling pathways, the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway mediates proliferative and anti-apoptotic signaling from growth factors and oncogenic factors such as Ras and Raf mutant phenotypes that promote tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. By virtue of its central role in mediating the transmission of growth-promoting signals from multiple growth factor receptors, the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway provides molecular targets with potentially broad therapeutic applications in, for example, cancerous and noon-cancerous hyperproliferative disorders, immunomodulation and inflammation.

MEK occupies a strategic downstream position in the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway catalyzing the phosphorylation of its MAPK substrates, ERK1 and ERK2. Anderson et al “Requirement for integration of signals from two distinct phosphorylation pathways for activation of MAP kinase.” Nature 1990, v. 343, pp. 651-653. In the ERK pathway, MAPKK corresponds with MEK (MAP kinase ERK Kinase) and the MAPK corresponds with ERK (Extracellular Regulated Kinase). No substrates for MEK have been identified other than ERK1 and ERK2. Seger et al. “Purification and characterization of mitogen-activated protein kinase activator(s) from epidermal growth factor-stimulated A431 cells.” J. Biol. Chem., 1992, v. 267, pp. 14373-14381. This tight selectivity, in addition to the unique ability to act as a dual-specificity kinase, is consistent with MEK's central role in integration of signals into the MAPK pathway. MEK also appears to associate strongly with MAP kinase prior to phosphorylating it, suggesting that phosphorylation of MAP kinase by MEK may require a prior strong interaction between the two proteins. Both this requirement and the unusual specificity of MEK are suggestive that it may have enough difference in its mechanism of action to other protein kinases that selective inhibitors of MEK, possibly operating through allosteric mechanisms rather than through the usual blockade of the ATP binding site, may be found.

Constitutive action of MAPKs has been reported in >30% of primary tumor cell lines including cell lines derived from colon, lung, breast, pancreas, ovary, and kidney. Hoshino et al. “Constitutive activation of the 41-/43-kDa mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in human tumors.” Oncogene, 1999, v. 18, pp. 813-822. Higher concentrations of active MAPK/ERK (pMAPK/pERK) have been detected in tumor tissue as compared to normal adjacent tissue. Sivaraman et al “Hyperexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase in human breast cancer.” J. Clin. Invest., 1997, v. 99, pp. 1478-1483.

There is a continued need to find new therapeutic agents to treat human diseases. The MAPK/ERK kinases, specifically but not limited to MEK1 and MEK2, are especially attractive targets for the discovery of new therapeutics due to their important role in cancerous hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., brain, lung, squamous cell, bladder, gastric, pancreatic, breast, head, neck, renal, kidney, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, prostate, colon, epidermoid, esophageal, testicular, gynecological or thyroid cancer; non-cancerous hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., benign hyperplasia of the skin (e.g., psoriasis), restenosis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)); pancreatitis; kidney disease; pain; preventing blastocyte implantation; treating diseases related to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis (e.g., tumor angiogenesis, acute and chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease, skin diseases such as psoriasis, excema, and scleroderma, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, hemangioma, glioma, melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and ovarian, breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate, colon and epidermoid cancer); asthma; neutrophil chemotaxis; septic shock; T-cell mediated diseases where immune suppression would be of value (e.g., the prevention of organ transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis); conditions where neutrophil influx drives tissue destruction (e.g., reperfusion injury in myocardial infarction and stroke and inflammatory arthritis); atherosclerosis; inhibition of keratinocyte responses to growth factor cocktails; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds that have activity for inhibiting MAPK/ERK kinases. The present invention also provides compositions, articles of manufacture and kits comprising these compounds, as well as methods for inhibiting MEK and treatment methods using compounds according to the present invention. In addition, the invention relates to methods of making the compounds of the present invention, as well as intermediates useful in such methods.

In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition is provided that comprises a MEK inhibitor according to the present invention as an active ingredient. Pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may optionally comprise 0.001%-100% of one or more inhibitors of this invention. These pharmaceutical compositions may be administered or coadministered by a wide variety of routes, including for example, orally, parenterally, intraperitoneally, intravenously, intraarterially, transdermally, sublingually, intramuscularly, rectally, transbuccally, intranasally, liposomally, via inhalation, vaginally, intraoccularly, via local delivery (for example by catheter or stent), subcutaneously, intraadiposally, intraarticularly, or intrathecally. The compositions may also be administered or coadministered in slow release dosage forms.

The invention is also directed to kits and other articles of manufacture for treating disease states associated with MEK.

In one embodiment, a kit is provided that comprises a composition comprising at least one MEK inhibitor of the present invention in combination with instructions. The instructions may indicate the disease state for which the composition is to be administered, storage information, dosing information and/or instructions regarding how to administer the composition. The kit may also comprise packaging materials. The packaging material may comprise a container for housing the composition. The kit may also optionally comprise additional components, such as syringes for administration of the composition. The kit may comprise the composition in single or multiple dose forms.

In another embodiment, an article of manufacture is provided that comprises a composition comprising at least one MEK inhibitor of the present invention in combination with packaging materials. The packaging material may comprise a container for housing the composition. The container may optionally comprise a label indicating the disease state for which the composition is to be administered, storage information, dosing information and/or instructions regarding how to administer the composition. The kit may also optionally comprise additional components, such as syringes for administration of the composition. The kit may comprise the composition in single or multiple dose forms.

Also provided are methods for preparing compounds, compositions and kits according to the present invention. For example, several synthetic schemes are provided herein for synthesizing compounds according to the present invention.

Also provided are methods for using compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture according to the present invention.

In one embodiment, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture are used to inhibit the activity of MEK and/or ERK. In particular, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture can be used to inhibit the activity of MEK1. In addition, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture can be used to inhibit the activity of MEK2. Further, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture can be used to inhibit the activity of ERK1. Also, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture can be used to inhibit the activity of ERK2.

In another embodiment, the compounds, compositions, kits and articles of manufacture are used to treat a disease state for which MEK and/or ERK possess activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state.

In another embodiment, a compound according to the present invention is administered to a subject wherein MEK and/or ERK activity within the subject is altered, preferably reduced.

In another embodiment, a prodrug of a compound according to the present invention is administered to a subject that is converted to the compound in vivo where it inhibits MEK and/or ERK.

In another embodiment, a method of inhibiting MEK and/or ERK is provided that comprises contacting a MEK and/or ERK with a compound according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, a method of inhibiting MEK and/or ERK is provided that comprises causing a compound according to the present invention to be present in a subject in order to inhibit MEK and/or ERK in vivo.

In another embodiment, a method of inhibiting a MEK and/or ERK is provided that comprises administering a first compound to a subject that is converted in vivo to a second compound wherein the second compound inhibits MEK and/or ERK in vivo. It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may be the first or second compounds.

In another embodiment, a therapeutic method is provided that comprises administering a compound according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for treating a condition in a patient that is known to be mediated by MEK and/or ERK, or which is known to be treated by MEK inhibitors, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for treating a disease state for which MEK and/or ERK possess activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising: causing a compound according to the present invention to be present in a subject in a therapeutically effective amount for the disease state.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for treating a disease state for which MEK and/or ERK possess activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising: administering a first compound to a subject that is converted in vivo to a second compound such that the second compound is present in the subject in a therapeutically effective amount for the disease state. It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may be the first or second compounds.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for treating a disease state for which MEK and/or ERK possess activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising: administering a compound according to the present invention to a subject such that the compound is present in the subject in a therapeutically effective amount for the disease state.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for using a compound according to the present invention in order to manufacture a medicament for use in the treatment of a disease state that is known to be mediated by MEK and/or ERK, or that is known to be treated by MEK inhibitors.

It is noted in regard to all of the above embodiments that the present invention is intended to encompass all pharmaceutically acceptable ionized forms (e.g., salts) and solvates (e.g., hydrates) of the compounds, regardless of whether such ionized forms and solvates are specified since it is well know in the art to administer pharmaceutical agents in an ionized or solvated form. It is also noted that unless a particular stereochemistry is specified, recitation of a compound is intended to encompass all possible stereoisomers (e.g., enantiomers or diastereomers depending on the number of chiral centers), independent of whether the compound is present as an individual isomer or a mixture of isomers. Further, unless otherwise specified, recitation of a compound is intended to encompass all possible resonance forms and tautomers. With regard to the claims, the language “compound comprising the formula” and “compound of the formula” are intended to encompass the compound and all pharmaceutically acceptable ionized forms and solvates, all possible stereoisomers, and all possible resonance forms and tautomers unless otherwise specifically specified in the particular claim.

It is further noted that prodrugs may also be administered which are altered in vivo and become a compound according to the present invention. The various methods of using the compounds of the present invention are intended, regardless of whether prodrug delivery is specified, to encompass the administration of a prodrug that is converted in vivo to a compound according to the present invention. It is also noted that certain compounds of the present invention may be altered in vivo prior to inhibit MEK and thus may themselves be prodrugs for another compound. Such prodrugs of another compound may or may not themselves independently have MEK and/or ERK inhibitory activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates SEQ ID NOS: 1-6 referred to in this application.

DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims shall have the following meanings for the purposes of this Application.

It is noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, definitions of standard chemistry terms may be found in reference works, including Carey and Sundberg “ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 4^(TH) ED.” Vols. A (2000) and B (2001), Plenum Press, New York. Also, unless otherwise indicated, conventional methods of mass spectroscopy, NMR, HPLC, protein chemistry, biochemistry, recombinant DNA techniques and pharmacology, within the skill of the art are employed.

“Alicyclic” means a moiety comprising a non-aromatic ring structure. Alicyclic moieties may be saturated or partially unsaturated with one, two or more double or triple bonds. Alicyclic moieties may also optionally comprise heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The nitrogen atoms can be optionally quaternerized or oxidized and the sulfur atoms can be optionally oxidized. Examples of alicyclic moieties include, but are not limited to moieties with (C₃₋₈) rings such as cyclopropyl, cyclohexane, cyclopentane, cyclopentene, cyclopentadiene, cyclohexane, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene, cycloheptane, cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene, cyclooctane, cyclooctene, and cyclooctadiene.

“Aliphatic” means a moiety characterized by a straight or branched chain arrangement of constituent carbon atoms and may be saturated or partially unsaturated with one, two or more double or triple bonds.

“Alkenyl” means a straight or branched, carbon chain that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond (—CR═CR′— or —CR═CR′R″, wherein R, R′ and R″ are each independently hydrogen or further substituents). Examples of alkenyl include vinyl, allyl, isopropenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkenyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂₋₂₀)alkenyl, a (C₂₋₁₅)alkenyl, a (C₂₋₁₀)alkenyl, a (C₂₋₅)alkenyl or a (C₂₋₃)alkenyl. Alternatively, “alkenyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂)alkenyl, a (C₃)alkenyl or a (C₄)alkenyl.

“Alkenylene” means a straight or branched, divalent carbon chain having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (—CR═CR′—, wherein R and R′ are each independently hydrogen or further substituents). Examples of alkenylene include ethene-1,2-diyl, propene-1,3-diyl, methylene-1,1-diyl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkenylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂₋₂₀) alkenylene, a (C₂₋₁₅) alkenylene, a (C₂₋₁₀) alkenylene, a (C₂₋₅) alkenylene or a (C₂₋₃) alkenylene. Alternatively, “alkenylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂) alkenylene, a (C₃) alkenylene or a (C₄) alkenylene.

“Alkoxy” means an oxygen moiety having a further alkyl substituent. The alkoxy groups of the present invention can be optionally substituted.

“Alkyl” represented by itself means a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic radical having a chain of carbon atoms, optionally with one or more of the carbon atoms being replaced with oxygen (See “oxaalkyl”), a carbonyl group (See “oxoalkyl”), sulfur (See “thioalkyl”), and/or nitrogen (See “azaalkyl”). (C_(X))alkyl and (C_(X-Y))alkyl are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain. For example, (C₁₋₆)alkyl includes alkyls that have a chain of between 1 and 6 carbons (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl, isopropenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-methylallyl, ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, and the like). Alkyl represented along with another radical (e.g., as in arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and the like) means a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic divalent radical having the number of atoms indicated or when no atoms are indicated means a bond (e.g., (C₆₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₃)alkyl includes, benzyl, phenethyl, 1-phenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-thienylmethyl, 2-pyridinylmethyl and the like). In particular embodiments, “alkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁₋₂₀)alkyl, a (C₁₋₁₅)alkyl, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, a (C₁₋₅)alkyl or a (C₁₋₃)alkyl. Alternatively, “alkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁)alkyl, a (C₂)alkyl or a (C₃)alkyl.

“Alkylene”, unless indicated otherwise, means a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, divalent radical. (C_(X))alkylene and (C_(X-Y))alkylene are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain. For example, (C₁₋₆)alkylene includes methylene (—CH₂—), ethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), trimethylene (—CH₂CH₂CH₂—), tetramethylene (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—) 2-butenylene (—CH₂CH═CHCH₂—), 2-methyltetramethylene (—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—), pentamethylene (—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—) and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁₋₂₀)alkylene, a (C₁₋₁₅)alkylene, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkylene, a (C₁₋₅)alkylene or a (C₁₋₃)alkylene. Alternatively, “alkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁)alkylene, a (C₂)alkylene or a (C₃)alkylene.

“Alkylidene” means a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic radical connected to the parent molecule by a double bond. (C_(X))alkylidene and (C_(X-Y))alkylidene are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain. For example, (C₁₋₆)alkylidene includes methylene (═CH₂), ethylidene (═CHCH₃), isopropylidene (═C(CH₃)₂), propylidene (═CHCH₂CH₃), allylidene (═CH—CH═CH₂), and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkylidene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁₋₂₀)alkylidene, a (C₁₋₁₅)alkylidene, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkylidene, a (C₁₋₅)alkylidene or a (C₁₋₃)alkylidene. Alternatively, “alkylidene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₁)alkylidene, a (C₂)alkylidene or a (C₃)alkylidene.

“Alkynyl” means a straight or branched, carbon chain that contains at least one carbon-carbon triple bond (—C≡C— or —C≡CR, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent). Examples of alkynyl include ethynyl, propargyl, 3-methyl-1-pentynyl, 2-heptynyl and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkynyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂₋₂₀)alkynyl, a (C₂₋₁₅)alkynyl, a (C₂₋₁₀)alkynyl, a (C₂₋₅)alkynyl or a (C₂₋₃)alkynyl. Alternatively, “alkynyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂)alkynyl, a (C₃)alkynyl or a (C₄)alkynyl.

“Alkynylene” means a straight or branched, divalent carbon chain having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (—CR≡CR′—, wherein R and R′ are each independently hydrogen or further substituents). Examples of alkynylene include ethyne-1,2-diyl, propyne-1,3-diyl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “alkynylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂₋₂₀)alkynylene, a (C₂₋₁₅)alkynylene, a (C₂₋₁₀)alkynylene, a (C₂₋₅)alkynylene or a (C₂₋₃)alkynylene. Alternatively, “alkynylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₂)alkynylene, a (C₃)alkynylene or a (C₄)alkynylene.

“Amido” means the radical —C(═O)—NR—, —C(═O)—NRR′, —NR—C(═O)— and/or —NR—C(═O)R′, wherein each R and R′ are independently hydrogen or a further substituent.

“Amino” means a nitrogen moiety having two further substituents where, for example, a hydrogen or carbon atom is attached to the nitrogen. For example, representative amino groups include —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —NH((C₁₋₁₀)alkyl), —N((C₁₋₁₀)alkyl)₂, —NH(aryl), —NH(heteroaryl), —N(aryl)₂, —N(heteroaryl)₂, and the like. Optionally, the two substituents together with the nitrogen may also form a ring. Unless indicated otherwise, the compounds of the invention containing amino moieties may include protected derivatives thereof. Suitable protecting groups for amino moieties include acetyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, and the like.

“Animal” includes humans, non-human mammals (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, deer, and the like) and non-mammals (e.g., birds, and the like).

“Aromatic” means a moiety wherein the constituent atoms make up an unsaturated ring system, all atoms in the ring system are sp² hybridized and the total number of pi electrons is equal to 4n+2. An aromatic ring may be such that the ring atoms are only carbon atoms or may include carbon and non-carbon atoms (See “heteroaryl”).

“Aryl” means a monocyclic or polycyclic ring assembly wherein each ring is aromatic or when fused with one or more rings forms an aromatic ring assembly. If one or more ring atoms is not carbon (e.g., N, S), the aryl is a heteroaryl. (C_(X))aryl and (C_(X-Y))aryl are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the ring. In particular embodiments, “aryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₃₋₁₄)aryl, a (C₃₋₁₀)aryl, a (C₃₋₇)aryl, a (C₈₋₁₀)aryl or a (C₅₋₇)aryl. Alternatively, “aryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₅)aryl, a (C₆)aryl, a (C₇)aryl, a (C₈)aryl, a (C₉)aryl or a (C₁₀)aryl.

“Azaalkyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, except where one or more of the carbon atoms forming the alkyl chain are replaced with substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms (—NR— or —NRR′, wherein R and R′ are each independently hydrogen or further substituents). For example, a (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl refers to a chain comprising between 1 and 10 carbons and one or more nitrogen atoms.

“Bicycloalkyl” means a saturated or partially unsaturated fused, spiro or bridged bicyclic ring assembly. In particular embodiments, “bicycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₄₋₁₅)bicycloalkyl, a (C₄₋₁₀)bicycloalkyl, a (C₆₋₁₀)bicycloalkyl or a (C₈₋₁₀)bicycloalkyl. Alternatively, “bicycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₈)bicycloalkyl, a (C₉)bicycloalkyl or a (C₁₀)bicycloalkyl.

“Bicycloaryl” means a fused, spiro or bridged bicyclic ring assembly wherein at least one of the rings comprising the assembly is aromatic. (C_(X))bicycloaryl and (C_(X-Y))bicycloaryl are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the bicyclic ring assembly and directly attached to the ring. In particular embodiments, “bicycloaryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (a (C₄₋₁₅)bicycloaryl, a (C₄₋₁₀)bicycloaryl, a (C₆₋₁₀)bicycloaryl or a (C₈₋₁₀)bicycloaryl. Alternatively, “bicycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₈)bicycloaryl, a (C₉)bicycloaryl or a (C₁₀)bicycloaryl.

“Bridging ring” and “bridged ring” as used herein refer to a ring that is bonded to another ring to form a compound having a bicyclic or polycyclic structure where two ring atoms that are common to both rings are not directly bound to each other. Non-exclusive examples of common compounds having a bridging ring include borneol, norbornane, 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, and the like. One or both rings of the bicyclic system may also comprise heteroatoms.

“Carbamoyl” means the radical —OC(O)NRR′, wherein R and R′ are each independently hydrogen or further substituents.

“Carbocycle” means a ring consisting of carbon atoms.

“Carbonyl” means the radical —C(═O)— and/or —C(═O)R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. It is noted that the carbonyl radical may be further substituted with a variety of substituents to form different carbonyl groups including acids, acid halides, aldehydes, amides, esters, and ketones.

“Carboxy” means the radical —C(═O)—O— and/or —C(═O)—OR, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. It is noted that compounds of the invention containing carboxy moieties may include protected derivatives thereof, i.e., where the oxygen is substituted with a protecting group. Suitable protecting groups for carboxy moieties include benzyl, tert-butyl, and the like.

“Cyano” means the radical —CN.

“Cycloalkyl” means a non-aromatic, saturated or partially unsaturated, monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic ring assembly. (C_(X))cycloalkyl and (C_(X-Y))cycloalkyl are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the ring assembly. For example, (C₃₋₁₀)cycloalkyl includes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, 2,5-cyclohexadienyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, adamantan-1-yl, decahydronaphthyl, oxocyclohexyl, dioxocyclohexyl, thiocyclohexyl, 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “cycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₃₋₁₄)cycloalkyl, a (C₃₋₁₀)cycloalkyl, a (C₃₋₇)cycloalkyl, a (C₈₋₁₀)cycloalkyl or a (C₅₋₇)cycloalkyl. Alternatively, “cycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₅)cycloalkyl, a (C₆)cycloalkyl, a (C₇)cycloalkyl, a (C₈)cycloalkyl, a (C₉)cycloalkyl or a (C₁₀)cycloalkyl.

“Cycloalkylene” means a divalent, saturated or partially unsaturated, monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic ring assembly. (C_(X))cycloalkylene and (C_(X-Y))cycloalkylene are typically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the ring assembly. In particular embodiments, “cycloalkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₃₋₁₄)cycloalkylene, a (C₃₋₁₀)cycloalkylene, a (C₃₋₇)cycloalkylene, a (C₈₋₁₀)cycloalkylene or a (C₅₋₇)cycloalkylene. Alternatively, “cycloalkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a (C₅)cycloalkylene, a (C₆)cycloalkylene, a (C₇)cycloalkylene, a (C₈)cycloalkylene, a (C₉)cycloalkylene or a (C₁₀)cycloalkylene.

“Disease” specifically includes any unhealthy condition of an animal or part thereof and includes an unhealthy condition that may be caused by, or incident to, medical or veterinary therapy applied to that animal, i.e., the “side effects” of such therapy.

“Fused ring” as used herein refers to a ring that is bonded to another ring to form a compound having a bicyclic structure where the ring atoms that are common to both rings are directly bound to each other. Non-exclusive examples of common fused rings include decalin, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, indole, furan, benzofuran, quinoline, and the like. Compounds having fused ring systems may be saturated, partially saturated, carbocyclics, heterocyclics, aromatics, heteroaromatics, and the like.

“Halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

“Heteroalkyl” means alkyl, as defined in this Application, provided that one or more of the atoms within the alkyl chain is a heteroatom. In particular embodiments, “heteroalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₂₀)alkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₁₅)alkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₅)alkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₃)alkyl or a hetero(C₁₋₂)alkyl. Alternatively, “heteroalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁)alkyl, a hetero(C₂)alkyl or a hetero(C₃)alkyl.

“Heteroaryl” means a monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic aromatic group wherein at least one ring atom is a heteroatom and the remaining ring atoms are carbon. Monocyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclic aromatic groups having five or six ring atoms, wherein at least one ring atom is a heteroatom and the remaining ring atoms are carbon. The nitrogen atoms can be optionally quaternerized and the sulfur atoms can be optionally oxidized. Heteroaryl groups of this invention include, but are not limited to, those derived from furan, imidazole, isothiazole, isoxazole, oxadiazole, oxazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, pyrazine, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrroline, thiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazole and tetrazole. “Heteroaryl” also includes, but is not limited to, bicyclic or tricyclic rings, wherein the heteroaryl ring is fused to one or two rings independently selected from the group consisting of an aryl ring, a cycloalkyl ring, a cycloalkenyl ring, and another monocyclic heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl ring. These bicyclic or tricyclic heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, those derived from benzo[b]furan, benzo[b]thiophene, benzimidazole, imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, quinazoline, thieno[2,3-c]pyridine, thieno[3,2-b]pyridine, thieno[2,3-b]pyridine, indolizine, imidazo[1,2a]pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, quinoxaline, naphthyridine, quinolizine, indole, isoindole, indazole, indoline, benzoxazole, benzopyrazole, benzothiazole, imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine, imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidine, imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, imidazo[1,5-c]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine, pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine, pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine, pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine, triazo[1,5-a]pyridine, pteridine, purine, carbazole, acridine, phenazine, phenothiazene, phenoxazine, 1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indole, indolizine, pyrido[1,2-a]indole and 2(1H)-pyridinone. The bicyclic or tricyclic heteroaryl rings can be attached to the parent molecule through either the heteroaryl group itself or the aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or heterocycloalkyl group to which it is fused. The heteroaryl groups of this invention can be substituted or unsubstituted. In particular embodiments, “heteroaryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₁₃)aryl, a hetero(C₂₋₁₃)aryl, a hetero(C₂₋₆)aryl, a hetero(C₃₋₉)aryl or a hetero(C₅₋₉)aryl. Alternatively, “heteroaryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₃)aryl, a hetero(C₄)aryl, a hetero(C₅)aryl, a hetero(C₆)aryl, a hetero(C₇)aryl, a hetero(C₈)aryl or a hetero(C₉)aryl.

“Heteroatom” refers to an atom that is not a carbon atom. Particular examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

“Heteroatom moiety” includes a moiety where the atom by which the moiety is attached is not a carbon. Examples of heteroatom moieties include —NR—, —N⁺(O⁻)═, —O—, —S— or —S(O)₂—, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent.

“Heterobicycloalkyl” means bicycloalkyl, as defined in this Application, provided that one or more of the atoms within the ring is a heteroatom. For example hetero(C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl as used in this application includes, but is not limited to, 3-aza-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-yl, 2-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-yl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “heterobicycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₁₄)bicycloalkyl, a hetero(C₄₋₁₄)bicycloalkyl, a hetero(C₄₋₉)bicycloalkyl or a hetero(C₅₋₉)bicycloalkyl. Alternatively, “heterobicycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₅)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₆)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₇)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₈)bicycloalkyl or a hetero(C₉)bicycloalkyl.

“Heterobicycloaryl” means bicycloaryl, as defined in this Application, provided that one or more of the atoms within the ring is a heteroatom. For example, hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl as used in this Application includes, but is not limited to, 2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and the like. In particular embodiments, “heterobicycloaryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₁₄)bicycloaryl, a hetero(C₄₋₁₄)bicycloaryl, a hetero(C₄₋₉)bicycloarylor a hetero(C₅₋₉)bicycloaryl. Alternatively, “heterobicycloaryl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₅)bicycloaryl, hetero(C₆)bicycloaryl, hetero(C₇)bicycloaryl, hetero(C₈)bicycloaryl or a hetero(C₉)bicycloaryl.

“Heterocycloalkyl” means cycloalkyl, as defined in this Application, provided that one or more of the atoms forming the ring is a heteroatom selected, independently from N, O, or S. Non-exclusive examples of heterocycloalkyl include piperidyl, 4-morpholyl, 4-piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, perhydropyrrolizinyl, 1,4-diazaperhydroepinyl, 1,3-dioxanyl, 1,4-dioxanyl and the like. In particular embodiments, “heterocycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₁₃)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₉)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₁₋₆)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₅₋₉)cycloalkyl or a hetero(C₂₋₆)cycloalkyl. Alternatively, “heterocycloalkyl,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₂)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₃)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₄)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₅)cycloalkyl, a hetero(C₆)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₇)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₈)cycloalkyl or a hetero(C₉)cycloalkyl.

“Heterocycloalkylene” means cycloalkylene, as defined in this Application, provided that one or more of the ring member carbon atoms is replaced by a heteroatom. In particular embodiments, “heterocycloalkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₁₋₁₃)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₁₋₉)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₁₋₆)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₅₋₉)cycloalkylene or a hetero(C₂₋₆)cycloalkylene. Alternatively, “heterocycloalkylene,” either alone or represented along with another radical, can be a hetero(C₂)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₃)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₄)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₅)cycloalkylene, a hetero(C₆)cycloalkylene, hetero(C₇)cycloalkylene, hetero(C₈)cycloalkylene or a hetero(C₉)cycloalkylene.

“Hydroxy” means the radical —OH.

“IC₅₀” means the molar concentration of an inhibitor that produces 50% inhibition of the target enzyme.

“Imino” means the radical —CR(═NR′) and/or —C(═NR′)—, wherein R and R′ are each independently hydrogen or a further substituent.

“Isomers” means compounds having identical molecular formulae but differing in the nature or sequence of bonding of their atoms or in the arrangement of their atoms in space. Isomers that differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space are termed “stereoisomers.” Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of one another are termed “diastereomers” and stereoisomers that are nonsuperimposable mirror images are termed “enantiomers” or sometimes “optical isomers.” A carbon atom bonded to four nonidentical substituents is termed a “chiral center.” A compound with one chiral center has two enantiomeric forms of opposite chirality. A mixture of the two enantiomeric forms is termed a “racemic mixture.” A compound that has more than one chiral center has 2^(n-1) enantiomeric pairs, where n is the number of chiral centers. Compounds with more than one chiral center may exist as ether an individual diastereomer or as a mixture of diastereomers, termed a “diastereomeric mixture.” When one chiral center is present a stereoisomer may be characterized by the absolute configuration of that chiral center. Absolute configuration refers to the arrangement in space of the substituents attached to the chiral center. Enantiomers are characterized by the absolute configuration of their chiral centers and described by the R- and S-sequencing rules of Cahn, Ingold and Prelog. Conventions for stereochemical nomenclature, methods for the determination of stereochemistry and the separation of stereoisomers are well known in the art (e.g., see “Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 4th edition, March, Jerry, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1992).

“Leaving group” means the group with the meaning conventionally associated with it in synthetic organic chemistry, i.e., an atom or group displaceable under reaction (e.g., alkylating) conditions. Examples of leaving groups include, but are not limited to, halo (e.g., F, Cl, Br and I), alkyl (e.g., methyl and ethyl) and sulfonyloxy (e.g., mesyloxy, ethanesulfonyloxy, benzenesulfonyloxy and tosyloxy), thiomethyl, thienyloxy, dihalophosphinoyloxy, tetrahalophosphoxy, benzyloxy, isopropyloxy, acyloxy, and the like.

“Moiety providing X atom separation” and “linker providing X atom separation” between two other moieties mean that the chain of atoms directly linking the two other moieties is X atoms in length. When X is given as a range (e.g., X₁-X₂), then the chain of atoms is at least X₁ and not more than X₂ atoms in length. It is understood that the chain of atoms can be formed from a combination of atoms including, for example, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen atoms. Further, each atom can optionally be bound to one or more substituents, as valencies allow. In addition, the chain of atoms can form part of a ring. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a moiety providing X atom separation between two other moieties (R and R′) can be represented by R-(L)_(X)-R′ where each L is independently selected from the group consisting of CR″R′″, NR″″, O, S, CO, CS, C═NR′″″, SO, SO₂, and the like, where any two or more of R″, R′″, R″″ and R′″″ can be taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

“Nitro” means the radical —NO₂.

“Oxaalkyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, except where one or more of the carbon atoms forming the alkyl chain are replaced with oxygen atoms (—O— or —OR, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent). For example, an oxa(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl refers to a chain comprising between 1 and 10 carbons and one or more oxygen atoms.

“Oxoalkyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, except where one or more of the carbon atoms forming the alkyl chain are replaced with carbonyl groups (—C(═O)— or —C(═O)—R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent). The carbonyl group may be an aldehyde, ketone, ester, amide, acid or acid halide. For example, an oxo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl refers to a chain comprising between 1 and 10 carbon atoms and one or more carbonyl groups.

“Oxy” means the radical —O— or —OR, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. Accordingly, it is noted that the oxy radical may be further substituted with a variety of substituents to form different oxy groups including hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy or carbonyloxy.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” means that which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes that which is acceptable for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” means salts of compounds of the present invention which are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined above, and which possess the desired pharmacological activity. Such salts include acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or with organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, o-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, 4-methylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid, glucoheptonic acid, 4,4′-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), 3-phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic acid, lauryl sulfuric acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, salicylic acid, stearic acid, muconic acid and the like.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts also include base addition salts which may be formed when acidic protons present are capable of reacting with inorganic or organic bases. Acceptable inorganic bases include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. Acceptable organic bases include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine and the like.

“Polycyclic ring” includes bicyclic and multi-cyclic rings. The individual rings comprising the polycyclic ring can be fused, spiro or bridging rings.

“Prodrug” means a compound that is convertible in vivo metabolically into an inhibitor according to the present invention. The prodrug itself may or may not also have activity with respect to a given target protein. For example, a compound comprising a hydroxy group may be administered as an ester that is converted by hydrolysis in vivo to the hydroxy compound. Suitable esters that may be converted in vivo into hydroxy compounds include acetates, citrates, lactates, phosphates, tartrates, malonates, oxalates, salicylates, propionates, succinates, fumarates, maleates, methylene-bis-b-hydroxynaphthoates, gentisates, isethionates, di-p-toluoyltartrates, methanesulfonates, ethanesulfonates, benzenesulfonates, p-toluenesulfonates, cyclohexylsulfamates, quinates, esters of amino acids, and the like. Similarly, a compound comprising an amine group may be administered as an amide that is converted by hydrolysis in vivo to the amine compound.

“Protected derivatives” means derivatives of inhibitors in which a reactive site or sites are blocked with protecting groups. Protected derivatives are useful in the preparation of inhibitors or in themselves may be active as inhibitors. A comprehensive list of suitable protecting groups can be found in T. W. Greene, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999.

“Ring” and “ring assembly” means a carbocyclic or a heterocyclic system and includes aromatic and non-aromatic systems. The system can be monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic. In addition, for bicyclic and polycyclic systems, the individual rings comprising the polycyclic ring can be fused, spiro or bridging rings.

“Subject” and “patient” includes humans, non-human mammals (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, deer, and the like) and non-mammals (e.g., birds, and the like).

“Substituent convertible to hydrogen in vivo” means any group that is convertible to a hydrogen atom by enzymological or chemical means including, but not limited to, hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis. Examples include hydrolyzable groups, such as acyl groups, groups having an oxycarbonyl group, amino acid residues, peptide residues, o-nitrophenylsulfenyl, trimethylsilyl, tetrahydro-pyranyl, diphenylphosphinyl, and the like. Examples of acyl groups include formyl, acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, and the like. Examples of groups having an oxycarbonyl group include ethoxycarbonyl, t-butoxycarbonyl [(CH₃)₃C—OCO—], benzyloxycarbonyl, p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, vinyloxycarbonyl, β-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethoxycarbonyl, and the like. Examples of suitable amino acid residues include amino acid residues per se and amino acid residues that are protected with a protecting group. Suitable amino acid residues include, but are not limited to, residues of Gly (glycine), Ala (alanine; CH₃CH(NH₂)CO—), Arg (arginine), Asn (asparagine), Asp (aspartic acid), Cys (cysteine), Glu (glutamic acid), His (histidine), Ile (isoleucine), Leu (leucine; (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH(NH₂)CO—), Lys (lysine), Met (methionine), Phe (phenylalanine), Pro (proline), Ser (serine), Thr (threonine), Trp (tryptophan), Tyr (tyrosine), Val (valine), Nva (norvaline), Hse (homoserine), 4-Hyp (4-hydroxyproline), 5-Hyl (5-hydroxylysine), Orn (ornithine) and β-Ala. Examples of suitable protecting groups include those typically employed in peptide synthesis, including acyl groups (such as formyl and acetyl), arylmethyloxycarbonyl groups (such as benzyloxycarbonyl and p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl), t-butoxycarbonyl groups [(CH₃)₃C—OCO—], and the like. Suitable peptide residues include peptide residues comprising two to five, and optionally two to three, of the aforesaid amino acid residues. Examples of such peptide residues include, but are not limited to, residues of such peptides as Ala-Ala [CH₃CH(NH₂)CO—NHCH(CH₃)CO—], Gly-Phe, Nva-Nva, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly, Gly-Gly-Gly, Ala-Met, Met-Met, Leu-Met and Ala-Leu. The residues of these amino acids or peptides can be present in stereochemical configurations of the D-form, the L-form or mixtures thereof. In addition, the amino acid or peptide residue may have an asymmetric carbon atom. Examples of suitable amino acid residues having an asymmetric carbon atom include residues of Ala, Leu, Phe, Trp, Nva, Val, Met, Ser, Lys, Thr and Tyr. Peptide residues having an asymmetric carbon atom include peptide residues having one or more constituent amino acid residues having an asymmetric carbon atom. Examples of suitable amino acid protecting groups include those typically employed in peptide synthesis, including acyl groups (such as formyl and acetyl), arylmethyloxycarbonyl groups (such as benzyloxycarbonyl and p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl), t-butoxycarbonyl groups [(CH₃)₃C—OCO—], and the like. Other examples of substituents “convertible to hydrogen in vivo” include reductively eliminable hydrogenolyzable groups. Examples of suitable reductively eliminable hydrogenolyzable groups include, but are not limited to, arylsulfonyl groups (such as o-toluenesulfonyl); methyl groups substituted with phenyl or benzyloxy (such as benzyl, trityl and benzyloxymethyl); arylmethoxycarbonyl groups (such as benzyloxycarbonyl and o-methoxy-benzyloxycarbonyl); and halogenoethoxycarbonyl groups (such as β,β,β-trichloroethoxycarbonyl and β-iodoethoxycarbonyl).

“Substituted or unsubstituted” means that a given moiety may consist of only hydrogen substituents through available valencies (unsubstituted) or may further comprise one or more non-hydrogen substituents through available valencies (substituted) that are not otherwise specified by the name of the given moiety. For example, isopropyl is an example of an ethylene moiety that is substituted by —CH₃. In general, a non-hydrogen substituent may be any substituent that may be bound to an atom of the given moiety that is specified to be substituted. Examples of substituents include, but are not limited to, aldehyde, alicyclic, aliphatic, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, alkylene, alkylidene, amide, amino, aminoalkyl, aromatic, aryl, bicycloalkyl, bicycloaryl, carbamoyl, carbocyclyl, carboxyl, carbonyl group, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylene, ester, halo, heterobicycloalkyl, heterocycloalkylene, heteroaryl, heterobicycloaryl, heterocycloalkyl, oxo, hydroxy, iminoketone, ketone, nitro, oxaalkyl, and oxoalkyl moieties, each of which may optionally also be substituted or unsubstituted. In one particular embodiment, examples of substituents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl. In addition, the substituent is itself optionally substituted by a further substituent. In one particular embodiment, examples of the further substituent include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl.

“Sulfinyl” means the radical —SO— and/or —SO—R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. It is noted that the sulfinyl radical may be further substituted with a variety of substituents to form different sulfinyl groups including sulfinic acids, sulfinamides, sulfinyl esters, and sulfoxides.

“Sulfonyl” means the radical —SO₂— and/or —SO₂—R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. It is noted that the sulfonyl radical may be further substituted with a variety of substituents to form different sulfonyl groups including sulfonic acids, sulfonamides, sulfonate esters, and sulfones.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means that amount which, when administered to an animal for treating a disease, is sufficient to effect such treatment for the disease.

“Thio” denotes replacement of an oxygen by a sulfur and includes, but is not limited to, —SR, —S— and ═S containing groups.

“Thioalkyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, except where one or more of the carbon atoms forming the alkyl chain are replaced with sulfur atoms (—S— or —S—R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent). For example, a thio(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl refers to a chain comprising between 1 and 10 carbons and one or more sulfur atoms.

“Thiocarbonyl” means the radical —C(═S)— and/or —C(═S)—R, wherein R is hydrogen or a further substituent. It is noted that the thiocarbonyl radical may be further substituted with a variety of substituents to form different thiocarbonyl groups including thioacids, thioamides, thioesters, and thioketones.

“Treatment” or “treating” means any administration of a compound of the present invention and includes:

(1) preventing the disease from occurring in an animal which may be predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display the pathology or symptomatology of the disease,

(2) inhibiting the disease in an animal that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the diseased (i.e., arresting further development of the pathology and/or symptomatology), or

(3) ameliorating the disease in an animal that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the diseased (i.e., reversing the pathology and/or symptomatology).

It is noted in regard to all of the definitions provided herein that the definitions should be interpreted as being open ended in the sense that further substituents beyond those specified may be included. Hence, a C₁ alkyl indicates that there is one carbon atom but does not indicate what are the substituents on the carbon atom. Hence, a (C₁)alkyl comprises methyl (i.e., —CH₃) as well as —CRR′R″ where R, R′, and R″ may each independently be hydrogen or a further substituent where the atom attached to the carbon is a heteroatom or cyano. Hence, CF₃, CH₂OH and CH₂CN, for example, are all (C₁)alkyls. Similarly, terms such as alkylamino and the like comprise dialkylamino and the like.

A compound having a formula that is represented with a dashed bond is intended to include the formulae optionally having zero, one or more double bonds, as exemplified and shown below:

In addition, atoms making up the compounds of the present invention are intended to include all isotopic forms of such atoms. Isotopes, as used herein, include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen include tritium and deuterium, and isotopes of carbon include ¹³C and ¹⁴C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds that may be used to inhibit Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (referred to herein as MEK) and, in particular, MAPK/ERK Kinase 1 (referred to herein as MEK1) and/or MAPK/ERK Kinase 2 (referred to herein as MEK2). The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds. In addition, the present invention relates to methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds. Further, the present invention relates to methods of using said compounds. It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may also possess activity for other members of the same protein family and thus may be used to address disease states associated with these other family members.

MEK belongs to the protein kinase family of enzymes. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to man and respond to a variety of extracellular signals to induce cell differentiation and proliferation. The extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade is one of three major MAPK signaling pathways and is the predominant cascade that controls cell proliferation, migration, division, and differentiation (Schaeffer, H. J., and Weber, M. J. (1999) Mol. Cell. Biol. 19, 2435-2444). In this pathway, binding of GTP to the Ras protein initiates a three protein kinase cascade, which leads to ERK activation through the intervening protein kinases Raf-1 and MEK1/2. The MEK1/2 kinases are dual-specificity threonine/tyrosine kinases that activate the downstream ERK kinase by phosphorylating specific ERK threonine and tyrosine residues, and are themselves activated by phosphorylation of MEK serine residues by the upstream RAF kinase. MEK1 and MEK2 share a high degree of amino acid sequence similarity, particularly in their kinase domains, and both are capable of phosphorylating ERK (Zheng, C-F., and Guan, K. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 11435-11439).

Multiple studies have linked the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway to the growth and survival of many diverse human tumors including, but not limited to cancers of the colon, pancreas ovaries, and non-small-cell lung cancers (reviewed in: Sebolt-Leopold, J. S. and Herrera R. (2004) Nature Reviews: Cancer, 4, 937-947). For these reasons there has been considerable interest in developing small molecule pharmaceutical inhibitors of this pathway.

It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may also possess inhibitory activity for other protein kinase family members and thus may be used to address disease states associated with these other family members.

Crystal Structure of MEK2

Takeda San Diego, Inc. solved the crystal structure of MEK2. Knowledge of the crystal structure was used to guide the design of the inhibitors provided herein.

The overall architecture of the MEK proteins resembles the conserved, two domain protein kinase fold, consisting of a large C-terminal comprised mostly of an α-helical domain and a smaller N-terminal lobe comprised primarily of a β-sheet. The N-lobe typically contains a single α-helix termed the Control or C-helix which influences the productive binding of nucleotides at the active region, which is located at the cleft between the two domains. Additionally, productive binding of nucleotide and substrates can be dependent upon an Activation Loop, or A-Loop, which is in an extended conformation when active, but often in a folded-back inactive conformation that at least partially occludes the active region. Phosphorylation of specific residues within the A-Loop can help stabilise the active, extended conformation. Common kinase inhibitory mechanisms typically target structural alterations within the C-Helix or A Loop.

MEK1 and/or MEK2 Inhibitors and Processes for Making Thereof

In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to compounds that are useful as MEK inhibitors. In one embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄ and N;     -   X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of —CR₅R₆—, —NR₇—, —O— and —S—;     -   n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4;     -   Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of O, S and NR₈;     -   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted;     -   R₂ is hydrogen or a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen;     -   R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, alkoxyamino, sulfonamido, imino,         (C₂₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₄, or R₄ and R₃ or R₅ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring,         provided that R₄ is absent when the atom to which it is bound         forms part of a double bond;     -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl,         sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₅, or R₅ and R₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, provided         that R₆ is absent when the atom to which it is bound forms part         of a double bond;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₇ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₈ and R₃, R₅ or R₄ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl; and     -   R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxy,         hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, amino,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₉ and R₁₀ are taken together         to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In still another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   m is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and         6;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted; and     -   each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl,         oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino,         sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or any two R₁₁, R₁₂ and R₁₃ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In yet another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   1 is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;         and     -   each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy,         alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl,         aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino,         sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₁₄ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In a further embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   R_(14a) and R_(14c) are each independently selected from the         group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy,         hydroxy, carbonyloxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl,         oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino,         sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted.

In still a further embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

In yet a further embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   1 is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxy,         hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, amino,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₉ and R₁₀ are taken together         to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy,         alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl,         aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino,         sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₁₄ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In yet another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   1 is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxy,         hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, amino,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₉ and R₁₀ are taken together         to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy,         alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl,         aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino,         sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₁₄ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In still another embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   1 is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;     -   m is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and         6;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted;     -   each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl,         oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino,         sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or any two R₁₁, R₁₂ and R₁₃ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy,         alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl,         aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino,         sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₁₄ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In a further embodiment, MEK inhibitors of the present invention have the formula:

-   -   or a polymorph, solvate, ester, tautomer, enantiomer,         pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein     -   1 is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5;     -   m is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and         6;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted;     -   each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl,         oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino,         sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or any two R₁₁, R₁₂ and R₁₃ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy, carbonyloxy,         alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl,         aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino,         sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₁₄ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

Particular examples of compounds according to the present invention include, but are not limited to:

-   6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic     acid; -   (R)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (S)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-8-(3-hydroxyazetidine-1-carbonyl)-2,3-dihydroindolizin-5(1H)-one; -   7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxamide; -   7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   6-Chloro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   7-(4-Ethynyl-2-fluorophenylamino)-6-fluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   6-chloro-N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   7-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   7-(4-ethynyl-2-fluorophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (R)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (S)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   7-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-6-fluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (R)-6-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (S)-6-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (R)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   (S)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; -   3-fluoro-4-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-oxo-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-3,5-diene-5-carboxamide; -   6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-5H-oxazolo[3,2-a]pyridine-8-carboxamide;     and -   6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridine-8-carboxamide.

In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to methods of making compounds that are useful as MEK inhibitors. In one embodiment, the methods comprise the steps of:

reacting a compound having the formula

with a compound having the formula

under conditions that form a first reaction product having the formula

treating the first reaction product under conditions that form a second reaction product having the formula

treating the second reaction product under conditions that form a third reaction product having the formula

reacting the third reaction product with a compound having the formula NHR₁R₂ under conditions that form a fourth reaction product having the formula

reacting the fourth reaction product with a compound having the formula NHR₉R₁₀ under conditions that form a first reaction product having the formula

wherein

-   -   X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄ and N;     -   X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of —CR₅R₆—, —NR₇—, —O— and —S—;     -   n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4;     -   Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of O, S and NR₈;     -   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted;     -   R₂ is hydrogen or a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₄, or R₄ and R₃ or R₅ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring,         provided that R₄ is absent when the atom to which it is bound         forms part of a double bond;     -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl,         sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₅, or R₅ and R₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, provided         that R₆ is absent when the atom to which it is bound forms part         of a double bond;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₇ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring;     -   R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₈ and R₃, R₅ or R₄ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring;     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl;     -   R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxy,         hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl, amino,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₉ and R₁₀ are taken together         to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   LG₁ and LG₂ are each independently a leaving group.

In still another of its aspects, the present invention relates to intermediates that are useful in making MEK inhibitors. In one embodiment, the intermediates have the formula

wherein

-   -   X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄ and N;     -   X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of —CR₅R₆—, —NR₇—, —O— and —S—;     -   n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4;     -   Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of O, S and NR₈;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₄, or R₄ and R₃ or R₅ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring,         provided that R₄ is absent when the atom to which it is bound         forms part of a double bond;     -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl,         sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₅, or R₅ and R₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, provided         that R₆ is absent when the atom to which it is bound forms part         of a double bond;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₇ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring;     -   R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₈ and R₃, R₅ or R₄ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   LG₁ is a leaving group.

In another embodiment, the intermediates have the formula

wherein

-   -   X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄ and N;     -   X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of —CR₅R₆—, —NR₇—, —O— and —S—;     -   n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4;     -   Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of O, S and NR₈;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₄, or R₄ and R₃ or R₅ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring,         provided that R₄ is absent when the atom to which it is bound         forms part of a double bond;     -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl,         sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₅, or R₅ and R₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, provided         that R₆ is absent when the atom to which it is bound forms part         of a double bond;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₇ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring;     -   R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₈ and R₃, R₅ or R₄ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   LG₁ and LG₂ are each independently a leaving group.

In still another embodiment, the intermediates have the formula

wherein

-   -   X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄ and N;     -   X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of —CR₅R₆—, —NR₇—, —O— and —S—;     -   n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4;     -   Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of O, S and NR₈;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₄, or R₄ and R₃ or R₅ are         taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring,         provided that R₄ is absent when the atom to which it is bound         forms part of a double bond;     -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, carbonyl, oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,         amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl,         sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₅, or R₅ and R₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, provided         that R₆ is absent when the atom to which it is bound forms part         of a double bond;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or two R₇ are taken together to         form a substituted or unsubstituted ring;     -   R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₈ and R₃, R₅ or R₄ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring; and     -   LG₂ is a leaving group.

In one variation of each of the above embodiments, X₁ is N. In another variation of each of the above embodiments, X₁ is CR₄.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₂ is —CR₅R₆—. In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₂ is —CH₂—.

In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₃ is —CR₅R₆—. In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₃ is —CH₂—.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₄ is —CR₅R₆—. In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, X₄ is —CH₂—.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, n is 1. In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, n is 2. In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, n is 3.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, Y₁ is O.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, Y₁ and R₃ are taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted hetero(C₁₋₆)aryl. In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, Y₁ and R₃ are taken together to form a substituted or unsubstituted triazolyl or oxadiazolyl.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, Y₂ is O.

In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₄₋₁₂)aryl and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₄₋₁₂)aryl. In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl. In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl. In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl. In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl.

In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio, alkoxy, (C₁₋₃)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl and (C₃₋₈)cycloalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, methylthio, methoxy, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethynyl, n-propanolyl and cyclopropyl.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁ has the formula:

wherein

-   -   R_(14a), R_(14b), R_(14c), R_(14d) and R_(14e) are each         independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         halo, cyano, thio, alkoxy, (C₁₋₃)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         each substituted or unsubstituted.

In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₂ is hydrogen.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations,

-   -   R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉—,     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl; and     -   R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted.

In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations,

-   -   R₃ is R₁₁O-L-O—NR₉—,     -   L is absent or a linker providing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 atom         separation between the atoms to which L is attached, wherein the         atoms of the linker providing the separation are selected from         the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur;         and     -   R₉ is hydrogen, a substituent convertible in vivo to hydrogen, a         substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, or a substituted or         unsubstituted halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl; and     -   R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted.

In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₄ is hydrogen. In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₄ is halo. In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₄ is selected from the group consisting of (C₁₋₅)alkyl and halo(C₁₋₅)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₄ is methyl.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₅ is hydrogen. In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₅ is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₃)alkyl. In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₅ is halo.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₆ is hydrogen.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₈ is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₅)alkyl.

In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₉ is hydrogen. In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₉ is selected from the group consisting of (C₁₋₅)alkyl and halo(C₁₋₅)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations,

-   -   R₁₀ is R₁₅O-L-,     -   L is absent or a linker providing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 atom         separation between the atoms to which L is attached, wherein the         atoms of the linker providing the separation are selected from         the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur;         and     -   R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of triazolyl, oxadiazolyl and oxazolyl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₀ is not taken together with R₄ to form a ring.

In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₅)alkyl.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkoxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl and hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, L is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₁₀)alkylene. In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, L is a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₃)alkylene.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations,

-   -   L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m-);     -   m is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and         6; and     -   each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio, oxy, hydroxy,         carbonyloxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carbonyl,         oxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino,         sulfonamido, imino, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl, amino (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or any two R₁₂ and R₁₃ are taken         together to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl and hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations,

-   -   R₁₂ is —NR₁₆R₁₇; and     -   R₁₆ and R₁₇ are each independently selected from the group         consisting of hydrogen, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl,         (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl,         heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl,         hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl,         hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl,         (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl, each         substituted or unsubstituted, or R₁₆ and R₁₇ are taken together         to form a substituted or unsubstituted ring.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, m is 0. In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, m is 1.

In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, l is 1. In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, l is 2.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, each R₁₄ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, carbonyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted.

In yet another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and a substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₅)alkyl. In a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl.

In still a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio, (C₁₋₃)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted. In yet a further variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.

In another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₆ is hydrogen.

In still another variation of each of the above embodiments and variations, R₁₇ is hydrogen.

It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, biohydrolyzable ester, biohydrolyzable amide, biohydrolyzable carbamate, solvate, hydrate or prodrug thereof. For example, the compound optionally comprises a substituent that is convertible in vivo to a different substituent such as hydrogen.

It is further noted that the compound may be present as a mixture of stereoisomers, or the compound may be present as a single stereoisomer.

In another of its aspects, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations. In one particular variation, the composition is a solid formulation adapted for oral administration. In another particular variation, the composition is a liquid formulation adapted for oral administration. In yet another particular variation, the composition is a tablet. In still another particular variation, the composition is a liquid formulation adapted for parenteral administration.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations, wherein the composition is adapted for administration by a route selected from the group consisting of orally, parenterally, intraperitoneally, intravenously, intraarterially, transdermally, sublingually, intramuscularly, rectally, transbuccally, intranasally, liposomally, via inhalation, vaginally, intraoccularly, via local delivery (for example by catheter or stent), subcutaneously, intraadiposally, intraarticularly, and intrathecally.

In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a kit comprising a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations; and instructions which comprise one or more forms of information selected from the group consisting of indicating a disease state for which the composition is to be administered, storage information for the composition, dosing information and instructions regarding how to administer the composition. In one particular variation, the kit comprises the compound in a multiple dose form.

In still another of its aspects, there is provided an article of manufacture comprising a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations; and packaging materials. In one variation, the packaging material comprises a container for housing the compound. In one particular variation, the container comprises a label indicating one or more members of the group consisting of a disease state for which the compound is to be administered, storage information, dosing information and/or instructions regarding how to administer the compound. In another variation, the article of manufacture comprises the compound in a multiple dose form.

In a further of its aspects, there is provided a therapeutic method comprising administering a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations to a subject.

In another of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) comprising contacting the MEK with a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations.

In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) comprising causing a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations to be present in a subject in order to inhibit the MEK in vivo.

In a further of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) comprising administering a first compound to a subject that is converted in vivo to a second compound wherein the second compound inhibits the MEK in vivo, the second compound being a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations.

In another of its aspects, there is provided a method of treating a disease state for which a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) possesses activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising causing a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations to be present in a subject in a therapeutically effective amount for the disease state.

In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a method of treating a disease state for which a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) possesses activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising administering a compound of any one of the above embodiments and variations to a subject, wherein the compound is present in the subject in a therapeutically effective amount for the disease state.

In a further of its aspects, there is provided a method of treating a disease state for which a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) possesses activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state, the method comprising administering a first compound to a subject that is converted in vivo to a second compound wherein the second compound inhibits the MEK in vivo. It is noted that the compounds of the present invention may be the first or second compounds.

In one variation of each of the above methods the disease state is selected from the group consisting of cancerous hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., brain, lung, squamous cell, bladder, gastric, pancreatic, breast, head, neck, renal, kidney, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, epidermoid, esophageal, testicular, gynecological or thyroid cancer); non-cancerous hyperproliferative disorders (e.g., benign hyperplasia of the skin (e.g., psoriasis), restenosis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)); pancreatitis; kidney disease; pain; preventing blastocyte implantation; treating diseases related to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis (e.g., tumor angiogenesis, acute and chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin diseases such as psoriasis, excema, and scleroderma, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, hemangioma, glioma, melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and ovarian, breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate, colon and epidermoid cancer); asthma; neutrophil chemotaxis (e.g., reperfusion injury in myocardial infarction and stroke and inflammatory arthritis); septic shock; T-cell mediated diseases where immune suppression would be of value (e.g., the prevention of organ transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis); atherosclerosis; inhibition of keratinocyte responses to growth factor cocktails; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other diseases.

In another variation of each of the above methods, the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) is MEK1. In still another variation of each of the above methods, the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) is MEK2.

In another of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting an Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) comprising contacting the ERK with a compound of any of the above embodiments and variations.

In still another of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) comprising causing a compound of any of the above embodiments and variations to be present in a subject in order to inhibit the ERK in vivo.

In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a method of inhibiting Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) comprising administering a first compound to a subject that is converted in vivo to a second compound wherein the second compound inhibits the ERK in vivo, the second compound being a compound according to any of the above embodiments and variations.

In one variation of the above methods, the Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) is ERK1. In another variation of the above methods, the Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) is ERK2.

In another of its aspects, there is provided a method of treating a disease state for which a mutation in the B-Raf gene contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state including, for example, melanomas, lung cancer, colon cancer and other tumor types.

In still another of its aspects, the present invention relates to the use of a compound of any of the above embodiments and variations as a medicament.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to the use of a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK).

In a further of its aspects, the present invention relates to the use of a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease state for which a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) possesses activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the disease state.

In still a further of its aspects, the present invention relates to the use of a compound according to any one of the above embodiments and variations in the manufacture of a medicament for treating hyperproliferative disorders; pancreatitis; kidney disease; pain; diseases involving blastocyte implantation; diseases related to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis; asthma; neutrophil chemotaxis; septic shock; T-cell mediated diseases where immune suppression would be of value; atherosclerosis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inhibition of keratinocyte responses to growth factor cocktails.

Salts, Hydrates, and Prodrugs of MEK Inhibitors

It should be recognized that the compounds of the present invention may be present and optionally administered in the form of salts, hydrates and prodrugs that are converted in vivo into the compounds of the present invention. For example, it is within the scope of the present invention to convert the compounds of the present invention into and use them in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts derived from various organic and inorganic acids and bases in accordance with procedures well known in the art.

When the compounds of the present invention possess a free base form, the compounds can be prepared as a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt by reacting the free base form of the compound with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid, e.g., hydrohalides such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide; other mineral acids and their corresponding salts such as sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, etc.; and alkyl and monoarylsulfonates such as ethanesulfonate, toluenesulfonate and benzenesulfonate; and other organic acids and their corresponding salts such as acetate, tartrate, maleate, succinate, citrate, benzoate, salicylate and ascorbate. Further acid addition salts of the present invention include, but are not limited to: adipate, alginate, arginate, aspartate, bisulfate, bisulfite, bromide, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, caprylate, chloride, chlorobenzoate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dihydrogenphosphate, dinitrobenzoate, dodecylsulfate, fumarate, galacterate (from mucic acid), galacturonate, glucoheptonate, gluconate, glutamate, glycerophosphate, hemisuccinate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hippurate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, iodide, isethionate, iso-butyrate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, malonate, mandelate, metaphosphate, methanesulfonate, methylbenzoate, monohydrogenphosphate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, oleate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, phenylacetate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, phosphonate and phthalate. It should be recognized that the free base forms will typically differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free base forms for the purposes of the present invention.

When the compounds of the present invention possess a free acid form, a pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt can be prepared by reacting the free acid form of the compound with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic base. Examples of such bases are alkali metal hydroxides including potassium, sodium and lithium hydroxides; alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as barium and calcium hydroxides; alkali metal alkoxides, e.g., potassium ethanolate and sodium propanolate; and various organic bases such as ammonium hydroxide, piperidine, diethanolamine and N-methylglutamine. Also included are the aluminum salts of the compounds of the present invention. Further base salts of the present invention include, but are not limited to: copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic, manganous, potassium, sodium and zinc salts. Organic base salts include, but are not limited to, salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, e.g., arginine, betaine, caffeine, chloroprocaine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine (benzathine), dicyclohexylamine, diethanolamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, iso-propylamine, lidocaine, lysine, meglumine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethanolamine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine and tris-(hydroxymethyl)-methylamine (tromethamine). It should be recognized that the free acid forms will typically differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free acid forms for the purposes of the present invention.

Compounds of the present invention that comprise basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quaternized with such agents as (C₁₋₄)alkyl halides, e.g., methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl and tert-butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; di(C₁₋₄)alkyl sulfates, e.g., dimethyl, diethyl and diamyl sulfates; (C₁₀₋₁₈)alkyl halides, e.g., decyl, dodecyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; and aryl(C₁₋₄)alkyl halides, e.g., benzyl chloride and phenethyl bromide. Such salts permit the preparation of both water-soluble and oil-soluble compounds of the present invention.

N-oxides of compounds according to the present invention can be prepared by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, N-oxides can be prepared by treating an unoxidized form of the compound with an oxidizing agent (e.g., trifluoroperacetic acid, permaleic acid, perbenzoic acid, peracetic acid, meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, or the like) in a suitable inert organic solvent (e.g., a halogenated hydrocarbon such as dichloromethane) at approximately 0° C. Alternatively, the N-oxides of the compounds can be prepared from the N-oxide of an appropriate starting material.

Prodrug derivatives of compounds according to the present invention can be prepared by modifying substituents of compounds of the present invention that are then converted in vivo to a different substituent. It is noted that in many instances, the prodrugs themselves also fall within the scope of the range of compounds according to the present invention. For example, prodrugs can be prepared by reacting a compound with a carbamylating agent (e.g., 1,1-acyloxyalkylcarbonochloridate, para-nitrophenyl carbonate, or the like) or an acylating agent. Further examples of methods of making prodrugs are described in Saulnier et al. (1994), Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, p. 1985.

Protected derivatives of compounds of the present invention can also be made. Examples of techniques applicable to the creation of protecting groups and their removal can be found in T. W. Greene, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999.

Compounds of the present invention may also be conveniently prepared, or formed during the process of the invention, as solvates (e.g., hydrates). Hydrates of compounds of the present invention may be conveniently prepared by recrystallization from an aqueous/organic solvent mixture, using organic solvents such as dioxin, tetrahydrofuran or methanol.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt”, as used herein, is intended to encompass any compound according to the present invention that is utilized in the form of a salt thereof, especially where the salt confers on the compound improved pharmacokinetic properties as compared to the free form of compound or a different salt form of the compound. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt form may also initially confer desirable pharmacokinetic properties on the compound that it did not previously possess, and may even positively affect the pharmacodynamics of the compound with respect to its therapeutic activity in the body. An example of a pharmacokinetic property that may be favorably affected is the manner in which the compound is transported across cell membranes, which in turn may directly and positively affect the absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion of the compound. While the route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition is important, and various anatomical, physiological and pathological factors can critically affect bioavailability, the solubility of the compound is usually dependent upon the character of the particular salt form thereof, which it utilized. One of skill in the art will appreciate that an aqueous solution of the compound will provide the most rapid absorption of the compound into the body of a subject being treated, while lipid solutions and suspensions, as well as solid dosage forms, will result in less rapid absorption of the compound.

Compositions Comprising MEK Inhibitors

A wide variety of compositions and administration methods may be used in conjunction with the compounds of the present invention. Such compositions may include, in addition to the compounds of the present invention, conventional pharmaceutical excipients, and other conventional, pharmaceutically inactive agents. Additionally, the compositions may include active agents in addition to the compounds of the present invention. These additional active agents may include additional compounds according to the invention, and/or one or more other pharmaceutically active agents.

The compositions may be in gaseous, liquid, semi-liquid or solid form, formulated in a manner suitable for the route of administration to be used. For oral administration, capsules and tablets are typically used. For parenteral administration, reconstitution of a lyophilized powder, prepared as described herein, is typically used.

Compositions comprising compounds of the present invention may be administered or coadministered orally, parenterally, intraperitoneally, intravenously, intraarterially, transdermally, sublingually, intramuscularly, rectally, transbuccally, intranasally, liposomally, via inhalation, vaginally, intraoccularly, via local delivery (for example by catheter or stent), subcutaneously, intraadiposally, intraarticularly, or intrathecally. The compounds and/or compositions according to the invention may also be administered or coadministered in slow release dosage forms.

The MEK inhibitors and compositions comprising them may be administered or coadministered in any conventional dosage form. Co-administration in the context of this invention is intended to mean the administration of more than one therapeutic agent, one of which includes a MEK inhibitor, in the course of a coordinated treatment to achieve an improved clinical outcome. Such co-administration may also be coextensive, that is, occurring during overlapping periods of time.

Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, subcutaneous, or topical application may optionally include one or more of the following components: a sterile diluent, such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oil, polyethylene glycol, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvent; antimicrobial agents, such as benzyl alcohol and methyl parabens; antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid and sodium bisulfite; chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); buffers, such as acetates, citrates and phosphates; agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose, and agents for adjusting the acidity or alkalinity of the composition, such as alkaline or acidifying agents or buffers like carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, hydrochloric acid, and organic acids like acetic and citric acid. Parenteral preparations may optionally be enclosed in ampules, disposable syringes or single or multiple dose vials made of glass, plastic or other suitable material.

When compounds according to the present invention exhibit insufficient solubility, methods for solubilizing the compounds may be used. Such methods are known to those of skill in this art, and include, but are not limited to, using cosolvents, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), using surfactants, such as TWEEN, or dissolution in aqueous sodium bicarbonate. Derivatives of the compounds, such as prodrugs of the compounds may also be used in formulating effective pharmaceutical compositions.

Upon mixing or adding compounds according to the present invention to a composition, a solution, suspension, emulsion or the like may be formed. The form of the resulting composition will depend upon a number of factors, including the intended mode of administration, and the solubility of the compound in the selected carrier or vehicle. The effective concentration needed to ameliorate the disease being treated may be empirically determined.

Compositions according to the present invention are optionally provided for administration to humans and animals in unit dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, dry powders for inhalers, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, and oral solutions or suspensions, and oil-water emulsions containing suitable quantities of the compounds, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, preferably the sodium salts, thereof. The pharmaceutically therapeutically active compounds and derivatives thereof are typically formulated and administered in unit-dosage forms or multiple-dosage forms. Unit-dose forms, as used herein, refers to physically discrete units suitable for human and animal subjects and packaged individually as is known in the art. Each unit-dose contains a predetermined quantity of the therapeutically active compound sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier, vehicle or diluent. Examples of unit-dose forms include ampoules and syringes individually packaged tablet or capsule. Unit-dose forms may be administered in fractions or multiples thereof. A multiple-dose form is a plurality of identical unit-dosage forms packaged in a single container to be administered in segregated unit-dose form. Examples of multiple-dose forms include vials, bottles of tablets or capsules or bottles of pint or gallons. Hence, multiple dose form is a multiple of unit-doses that are not segregated in packaging.

In addition to one or more compounds according to the present invention, the composition may comprise: a diluent such as lactose, sucrose, dicalcium phosphate, or carboxymethylcellulose; a lubricant, such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate and talc; and a binder such as starch, natural gums, such as gum acaciagelatin, glucose, molasses, polvinylpyrrolidine, celluloses and derivatives thereof, povidone, crospovidones and other such binders known to those of skill in the art. Liquid pharmaceutically administrable compositions can, for example, be prepared by dissolving, dispersing, or otherwise mixing an active compound as defined above and optional pharmaceutical adjuvants in a carrier, such as, for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, glycols, ethanol, and the like, to form a solution or suspension. If desired, the pharmaceutical composition to be administered may also contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting agents, emulsifying agents, or solubilizing agents, pH buffering agents and the like, for example, acetate, sodium citrate, cyclodextrine derivatives, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine sodium acetate, triethanolamine oleate, and other such agents. Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known in the art, or will be apparent, to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 15th Edition, 1975. The composition or formulation to be administered will, in any event, contain a sufficient quantity of a inhibitor of the present invention to reduce MEK activity in vivo, thereby treating the disease state of the subject.

Dosage forms or compositions may optionally comprise one or more compounds according to the present invention in the range of 0.005% to 100% (weight/weight) with the balance comprising additional substances such as those described herein. For oral administration, a pharmaceutically acceptable composition may optionally comprise any one or more commonly employed excipients, such as, for example pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, talcum, cellulose derivatives, sodium crosscarmellose, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, sodium saccharin, talcum. Such compositions include solutions, suspensions, tablets, capsules, powders, dry powders for inhalers and sustained release formulations, such as, but not limited to, implants and microencapsulated delivery systems, and biodegradable, biocompatible polymers, such as collagen, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and others. Methods for preparing these formulations are known to those skilled in the art. The compositions may optionally contain 0.01%-100% (weight/weight) of one or more MEK inhibitors, optionally 0.1-95%, and optionally 1-95%.

Salts, preferably sodium salts, of the inhibitors may be prepared with carriers that protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as time release formulations or coatings. The formulations may further include other active compounds to obtain desired combinations of properties.

Formulations for Oral Administration

Oral pharmaceutical dosage forms may be as a solid, gel or liquid. Examples of solid dosage forms include, but are not limited to tablets, capsules, granules, and bulk powders. More specific examples of oral tablets include compressed, chewable lozenges and tablets that may be enteric-coated, sugar-coated or film-coated. Examples of capsules include hard or soft gelatin capsules. Granules and powders may be provided in non-effervescent or effervescent forms. Each may be combined with other ingredients known to those skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, compounds according to the present invention are provided as solid dosage forms, preferably capsules or tablets. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like may optionally contain one or more of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder; a diluent; a disintegrating agent; a lubricant; a glidant; a sweetening agent; and a flavoring agent.

Examples of binders that may be used include, but are not limited to, microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth, glucose solution, acacia mucilage, gelatin solution, sucrose and starch paste.

Examples of lubricants that may be used include, but are not limited to, talc, starch, magnesium or calcium stearate, lycopodium and stearic acid.

Examples of diluents that may be used include, but are not limited to, lactose, sucrose, starch, kaolin, salt, mannitol and dicalcium phosphate.

Examples of glidants that may be used include, but are not limited to, colloidal silicon dioxide.

Examples of disintegrating agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, crosscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, alginic acid, corn starch, potato starch, bentonite, methylcellulose, agar and carboxymethylcellulose.

Examples of coloring agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, any of the approved certified water-soluble FD and C dyes, mixtures thereof, and water insoluble FD and C dyes suspended on alumina hydrate.

Examples of sweetening agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose, mannitol and artificial sweetening agents such as sodium cyclamate and saccharin, and any number of spray-dried flavors.

Examples of flavoring agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, natural flavors extracted from plants such as fruits and synthetic blends of compounds that produce a pleasant sensation, such as, but not limited to peppermint and methyl salicylate.

Examples of wetting agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether.

Examples of anti-emetic coatings that may be used include, but are not limited to, fatty acids, fats, waxes, shellac, ammoniated shellac and cellulose acetate phthalates.

Examples of film coatings that may be used include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 4000 and cellulose acetate phthalate.

If oral administration is desired, the salt of the compound may optionally be provided in a composition that protects it from the acidic environment of the stomach. For example, the composition can be formulated in an enteric coating that maintains its integrity in the stomach and releases the active compound in the intestine. The composition may also be formulated in combination with an antacid or other such ingredient.

When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it may optionally additionally comprise a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil. In addition, dosage unit forms may optionally additionally comprise various other materials that modify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, coatings of sugar and other enteric agents.

Compounds according to the present invention may also be administered as a component of an elixir, suspension, syrup, wafer, sprinkle, chewing gum or the like. A syrup may optionally comprise, in addition to the active compounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives, dyes and colorings and flavors.

The compounds of the present invention may also be mixed with other active materials that do not impair the desired action, or with materials that supplement the desired action, such as antacids, H2 blockers, and diuretics. For example, if a compound is used for treating asthma or hypertension, it may be used with other bronchodilators and antihypertensive agents, respectively.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be included in tablets comprising compounds of the present invention include, but are not limited to binders, lubricants, diluents, disintegrating agents, coloring agents, flavoring agents, and wetting agents. Enteric-coated tablets, because of the enteric-coating, resist the action of stomach acid and dissolve or disintegrate in the neutral or alkaline intestines. Sugar-coated tablets may be compressed tablets to which different layers of pharmaceutically acceptable substances are applied. Film-coated tablets may be compressed tablets that have been coated with polymers or other suitable coating. Multiple compressed tablets may be compressed tablets made by more than one compression cycle utilizing the pharmaceutically acceptable substances previously mentioned. Coloring agents may also be used in tablets. Flavoring and sweetening agents may be used in tablets, and are especially useful in the formation of chewable tablets and lozenges.

Examples of liquid oral dosage forms that may be used include, but are not limited to, aqueous solutions, emulsions, suspensions, solutions and/or suspensions reconstituted from non-effervescent granules and effervescent preparations reconstituted from effervescent granules.

Examples of aqueous solutions that may be used include, but are not limited to, elixirs and syrups. As used herein, elixirs refer to clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic preparations. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be used in elixirs include, but are not limited to solvents. Particular examples of solvents that may be used include glycerin, sorbitol, ethyl alcohol and syrup. As used herein, syrups refer to concentrated aqueous solutions of a sugar, for example, sucrose. Syrups may optionally further comprise a preservative.

Emulsions refer to two-phase systems in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of small globules throughout another liquid. Emulsions may optionally be oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be used in emulsions include, but are not limited to non-aqueous liquids, emulsifying agents and preservatives.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable substances that may be used in non-effervescent granules, to be reconstituted into a liquid oral dosage form, include diluents, sweeteners and wetting agents.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable substances that may be used in effervescent granules, to be reconstituted into a liquid oral dosage form, include organic acids and a source of carbon dioxide.

Coloring and flavoring agents may optionally be used in all of the above dosage forms.

Particular examples of preservatives that may be used include glycerin, methyl and propylparaben, benzoic add, sodium benzoate and alcohol.

Particular examples of non-aqueous liquids that may be used in emulsions include mineral oil and cottonseed oil.

Particular examples of emulsifying agents that may be used include gelatin, acacia, tragacanth, bentonite, and surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.

Particular examples of suspending agents that may be used include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, tragacanth, Veegum and acacia. Diluents include lactose and sucrose. Sweetening agents include sucrose, syrups, glycerin and artificial sweetening agents such as sodium cyclamate and saccharin.

Particular examples of wetting agents that may be used include propylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether.

Particular examples of organic acids that may be used include citric and tartaric acid.

Sources of carbon dioxide that may be used in effervescent compositions include sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Coloring agents include any of the approved certified water soluble FD and C dyes, and mixtures thereof.

Particular examples of flavoring agents that may be used include natural flavors extracted from plants such fruits, and synthetic blends of compounds that produce a pleasant taste sensation.

For a solid dosage form, the solution or suspension, in for example propylene carbonate, vegetable oils or triglycerides, is preferably encapsulated in a gelatin capsule. Such solutions, and the preparation and encapsulation thereof, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,245; 4,409,239; and 4,410,545. For a liquid dosage form, the solution, e.g., for example, in a polyethylene glycol, may be diluted with a sufficient quantity of a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier, e.g., water, to be easily measured for administration.

Alternatively, liquid or semi-solid oral formulations may be prepared by dissolving or dispersing the active compound or salt in vegetable oils, glycols, triglycerides, propylene glycol esters (e.g., propylene carbonate) and other such carriers, and encapsulating these solutions or suspensions in hard or soft gelatin capsule shells. Other useful formulations include those set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. Re 28,819 and 4,358,603.

Injectables, Solutions, and Emulsions

The present invention is also directed to compositions designed to administer the compounds of the present invention by parenteral administration, generally characterized by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection. Injectables may be prepared in any conventional form, for example as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions.

Examples of excipients that may be used in conjunction with injectables according to the present invention include, but are not limited to water, saline, dextrose, glycerol or ethanol. The injectable compositions may also optionally comprise minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, stabilizers, solubility enhancers, and other such agents, such as for example, sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate and cyclodextrins. Implantation of a slow-release or sustained-release system, such that a constant level of dosage is maintained (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,795) is also contemplated herein. The percentage of active compound contained in such parenteral compositions is highly dependent on the specific nature thereof, as well as the activity of the compound and the needs of the subject.

Parenteral administration of the formulations includes intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular administrations. Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile solutions ready for injection, sterile dry soluble products, such as the lyophilized powders described herein, ready to be combined with a solvent just prior to use, including hypodermic tablets, sterile suspensions ready for injection, sterile dry insoluble products ready to be combined with a vehicle just prior to use and sterile emulsions. The solutions may be either aqueous or nonaqueous.

When administered intravenously, examples of suitable carriers include, but are not limited to physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and solutions containing thickening and solubilizing agents, such as glucose, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may optionally be used in parenteral preparations include, but are not limited to aqueous vehicles, nonaqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents, isotonic agents, buffers, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, emulsifying agents, sequestering or chelating agents and other pharmaceutically acceptable substances.

Examples of aqueous vehicles that may optionally be used include Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringers Injection, Isotonic Dextrose Injection, Sterile Water Injection, Dextrose and Lactated Ringers Injection.

Examples of nonaqueous parenteral vehicles that may optionally be used include fixed oils of vegetable origin, cottonseed oil, corn oil, sesame oil and peanut oil.

Antimicrobial agents in bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations may be added to parenteral preparations, particularly when the preparations are packaged in multiple-dose containers and thus designed to be stored and multiple aliquots to be removed. Examples of antimicrobial agents that may be used include phenols or cresols, mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

Examples of isotonic agents that may be used include sodium chloride and dextrose. Examples of buffers that may be used include phosphate and citrate. Examples of antioxidants that may be used include sodium bisulfate. Examples of local anesthetics that may be used include procaine hydrochloride. Examples of suspending and dispersing agents that may be used include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Examples of emulsifying agents that may be used include Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN 80). A sequestering or chelating agent of metal ions includes EDTA.

Pharmaceutical carriers may also optionally include ethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol for water miscible vehicles and sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid or lactic acid for pH adjustment.

The concentration of an inhibitor in the parenteral formulation may be adjusted so that an injection administers a pharmaceutically effective amount sufficient to produce the desired pharmacological effect. The exact concentration of an inhibitor and/or dosage to be used will ultimately depend on the age, weight and condition of the patient or animal as is known in the art.

Unit-dose parenteral preparations may be packaged in an ampoule, a vial or a syringe with a needle. All preparations for parenteral administration should be sterile, as is know and practiced in the art.

Injectables may be designed for local and systemic administration. Typically a therapeutically effective dosage is formulated to contain a concentration of at least about 0.1% w/w up to about 90% w/w or more, preferably more than 1% w/w of the MEK inhibitor to the treated tissue(s). The inhibitor may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at intervals of time. It is understood that the precise dosage and duration of treatment will be a function of the location of where the composition is parenterally administered, the carrier and other variables that may be determined empirically using known testing protocols or by extrapolation from in vivo or in vitro test data. It is to be noted that concentrations and dosage values may also vary with the age of the individual treated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens may need to be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the formulations. Hence, the concentration ranges set forth herein are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed formulations.

The MEK inhibitor may optionally be suspended in micronized or other suitable form or may be derivatized to produce a more soluble active product or to produce a prodrug. The form of the resulting mixture depends upon a number of factors, including the intended mode of administration and the solubility of the compound in the selected carrier or vehicle. The effective concentration is sufficient for ameliorating the symptoms of the disease state and may be empirically determined.

Lyophilized Powders

The compounds of the present invention may also be prepared as lyophilized powders, which can be reconstituted for administration as solutions, emulsions and other mixtures. The lyophilized powders may also be formulated as solids or gels.

Sterile, lyophilized powder may be prepared by dissolving the compound in a sodium phosphate buffer solution containing dextrose or other suitable excipient. Subsequent sterile filtration of the solution followed by lyophilization under standard conditions known to those of skill in the art provides the desired formulation. Briefly, the lyophilized powder may optionally be prepared by dissolving dextrose, sorbitol, fructose, corn syrup, xylitol, glycerin, glucose, sucrose or other suitable agent, about 1-20%, preferably about 5 to 15%, in a suitable buffer, such as citrate, sodium or potassium phosphate or other such buffer known to those of skill in the art at, typically, about neutral pH. Then, a MEK inhibitor is added to the resulting mixture, preferably above room temperature, more preferably at about 30-35° C., and stirred until it dissolves. The resulting mixture is diluted by adding more buffer to a desired concentration. The resulting mixture is sterile filtered or treated to remove particulates and to insure sterility, and apportioned into vials for lyophilization. Each vial may contain a single dosage or multiple dosages of the inhibitor.

Topical Administration

The compounds of the present invention may also be administered as topical mixtures. Topical mixtures may be used for local and systemic administration. The resulting mixture may be a solution, suspension, emulsions or the like and are formulated as creams, gels, ointments, emulsions, solutions, elixirs, lotions, suspensions, tinctures, pastes, foams, aerosols, irrigations, sprays, suppositories, bandages, dermal patches or any other formulations suitable for topical administration.

The MEK inhibitors may be formulated as aerosols for topical application, such as by inhalation (see, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,044,126, 4,414,209, and 4,364,923, which describe aerosols for delivery of a steroid useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly asthma). These formulations for administration to the respiratory tract can be in the form of an aerosol or solution for a nebulizer, or as a microfine powder for insufflation, alone or in combination with an inert carrier such as lactose. In such a case, the particles of the formulation will typically have diameters of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 10 microns.

The inhibitors may also be formulated for local or topical application, such as for topical application to the skin and mucous membranes, such as in the eye, in the form of gels, creams, and lotions and for application to the eye or for intracistemal or intraspinal application. Topical administration is contemplated for transdermal delivery and also for administration to the eyes or mucosa, or for inhalation therapies. Nasal solutions of the MEK inhibitor alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients can also be administered.

Formulations for Other Routes of Administration

Depending upon the disease state being treated, other routes of administration, such as topical application, transdermal patches, and rectal administration, may also be used. For example, pharmaceutical dosage forms for rectal administration are rectal suppositories, capsules and tablets for systemic effect. Rectal suppositories are used herein mean solid bodies for insertion into the rectum that melt or soften at body temperature releasing one or more pharmacologically or therapeutically active ingredients. Pharmaceutically acceptable substances utilized in rectal suppositories are bases or vehicles and agents to raise the melting point. Examples of bases include cocoa butter (theobroma oil), glycerin-gelatin, carbowax, (polyoxyethylene glycol) and appropriate mixtures of mono-, di- and triglycerides of fatty acids. Combinations of the various bases may be used. Agents to raise the melting point of suppositories include spermaceti and wax. Rectal suppositories may be prepared either by the compressed method or by molding. The typical weight of a rectal suppository is about 2 to 3 gm. Tablets and capsules for rectal administration may be manufactured using the same pharmaceutically acceptable substance and by the same methods as for formulations for oral administration.

Examples of Formulations

The following are particular examples of oral, intravenous and tablet formulations that may optionally be used with compounds of the present invention. It is noted that these formulations may be varied depending on the particular compound being used and the indication for which the formulation is going to be used.

ORAL FORMULATION Compound of the Present Invention 10-100 mg Citric Acid Monohydrate 105 mg Sodium Hydroxide 18 mg Flavoring Water q.s. to 100 mL INTRAVENOUS FORMULATION Compound of the Present Invention 0.1-10 mg Dextrose Monohydrate q.s. to make isotonic Citric Acid Monohydrate 1.05 mg Sodium Hydroxide 0.18 mg Water for Injection q.s. to 1.0 mL TABLET FORMULATION Compound of the Present Invention  1% Microcrystalline Cellulose 73% Stearic Acid 25% Colloidal Silica   1%. Kits Comprising MEK Inhibitors

The invention is also directed to kits and other articles of manufacture for treating diseases associated with MEK. It is noted that diseases are intended to cover all conditions for which the MEK possess activity that contributes to the pathology and/or symptomology of the condition.

In one embodiment, a kit is provided that comprises a composition comprising at least one inhibitor of the present invention in combination with instructions. The instructions may indicate the disease state for which the composition is to be administered, storage information, dosing information and/or instructions regarding how to administer the composition. The kit may also comprise packaging materials. The packaging material may comprise a container for housing the composition. The kit may also optionally comprise additional components, such as syringes for administration of the composition. The kit may comprise the composition in single or multiple dose forms.

In another embodiment, an article of manufacture is provided that comprises a composition comprising at least one inhibitor of the present invention in combination with packaging materials. The packaging material may comprise a container for housing the composition. The container may optionally comprise a label indicating the disease state for which the composition is to be administered, storage information, dosing information and/or instructions regarding how to administer the composition. The kit may also optionally comprise additional components, such as syringes for administration of the composition. The kit may comprise the composition in single or multiple dose forms.

It is noted that the packaging material used in kits and articles of manufacture according to the present invention may form a plurality of divided containers such as a divided bottle or a divided foil packet. The container can be in any conventional shape or form as known in the art which is made of a pharmaceutically acceptable material, for example a paper or cardboard box, a glass or plastic bottle or jar, a re-sealable bag (for example, to hold a “refill” of tablets for placement into a different container), or a blister pack with individual doses for pressing out of the pack according to a therapeutic schedule. The container that is employed will depend on the exact dosage form involved, for example a conventional cardboard box would not generally be used to hold a liquid suspension. It is feasible that more than one container can be used together in a single package to market a single dosage form. For example, tablets may be contained in a bottle that is in turn contained within a box. Typically the kit includes directions for the administration of the separate components. The kit form is particularly advantageous when the separate components are preferably administered in different dosage forms (e.g., oral, topical, transdermal and parenteral), are administered at different dosage intervals, or when titration of the individual components of the combination is desired by the prescribing physician.

One particular example of a kit according to the present invention is a so-called blister pack. Blister packs are well known in the packaging industry and are being widely used for the packaging of pharmaceutical unit dosage forms (tablets, capsules, and the like). Blister packs generally consist of a sheet of relatively stiff material covered with a foil of a preferably transparent plastic material. During the packaging process recesses are formed in the plastic foil. The recesses have the size and shape of individual tablets or capsules to be packed or may have the size and shape to accommodate multiple tablets and/or capsules to be packed. Next, the tablets or capsules are placed in the recesses accordingly and the sheet of relatively stiff material is sealed against the plastic foil at the face of the foil which is opposite from the direction in which the recesses were formed. As a result, the tablets or capsules are individually sealed or collectively sealed, as desired, in the recesses between the plastic foil and the sheet. Preferably the strength of the sheet is such that the tablets or capsules can be removed from the blister pack by manually applying pressure on the recesses whereby an opening is formed in the sheet at the place of the recess. The tablet or capsule can then be removed via said opening.

Another specific embodiment of a kit is a dispenser designed to dispense the daily doses one at a time in the order of their intended use. Preferably, the dispenser is equipped with a memory-aid, so as to further facilitate compliance with the regimen. An example of such a memory-aid is a mechanical counter that indicates the number of daily doses that has been dispensed. Another example of such a memory-aid is a battery-powered micro-chip memory coupled with a liquid crystal readout, or audible reminder signal which, for example, reads out the date that the last daily dose has been taken and/or reminds one when the next dose is to be taken.

Dosage, Host and Safety

The compounds of the present invention are stable and can be used safely. In particular, the compounds of the present invention are useful as MEK inhibitors for a variety of subjects (e.g., humans, non-human mammals and non-mammals). The optimal dose may vary depending upon such conditions as, for example, the type of subject, the body weight of the subject, the route of administration, and specific properties of the particular compound being used. In general, the daily dose for oral administration to an adult (body weight of about 60 kg) is about 1 to 1000 mg, about 3 to 300 mg, or about 10 to 200 mg. It will be appreciated that the daily dose can be given in a single administration or in multiple (e.g., 2 or 3) portions a day.

Combination Therapies

A wide variety therapeutic agents may have a therapeutic additive or synergistic effect with MEK inhibitors according to the present invention. Such therapeutic agents may additively or synergistically combine with the MEK inhibitors to inhibit undesirable cell growth, such as inappropriate cell growth resulting in undesirable benign conditions or tumor growth.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a cell proliferative disease state comprising treating cells with a compound according to the present invention in combination with an anti-proliferative agent, wherein the cells are treated with the compound according to the present invention before, at the same time, and/or after the cells are treated with the anti-proliferative agent, referred to herein as combination therapy. It is noted that treatment of one agent before another is referred to herein as sequential therapy, even if the agents are also administered together. It is noted that combination therapy is intended to cover when agents are administered before or after each other (sequential therapy) as well as when the agents are administered at the same time.

Examples of therapeutic agents that may be used in combination with MEK inhibitors include, but are not limited to, anticancer agents, alkylating agents, antibiotic agents, antimetabolic agents, hormonal agents, plant-derived agents, and biologic agents.

Alkylating agents are polyfunctional compounds that have the ability to substitute alkyl groups for hydrogen ions. Examples of alkylating agents include, but are not limited to, bischloroethylamines (nitrogen mustards, e.g. chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine, melphalan, uracil mustard), aziridines (e.g. thiotepa), alkyl alkone sulfonates (e.g. busulfan), nitrosoureas (e.g. carmustine, lomustine, streptozocin), nonclassic alkylating agents (altretamine, dacarbazine, and procarbazine), platinum compounds (carboplastin and cisplatin). These compounds react with phosphate, amino, hydroxyl, sulfihydryl, carboxyl, and imidazole groups. Under physiological conditions, these drugs ionize and produce positively charged ion that attach to susceptible nucleic acids and proteins, leading to cell cycle arrest and/or cell death. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and an alkylating agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer and reduce sides affects associated with these chemotherapeutic agents.

Antibiotic agents are a group of drugs that produced in a manner similar to antibiotics as a modification of natural products. Examples of antibiotic agents include, but are not limited to, anthracyclines (e.g. doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin and anthracenedione), mitomycin C, bleomycin, dactinomycin, plicatomycin. These antibiotic agents interfere with cell growth by targeting different cellular components. For example, anthracyclines are generally believed to interfere with the action of DNA topoisomerase II in the regions of transcriptionally active DNA, which leads to DNA strand scissions. Bleomycin is generally believed to chelate iron and forms an activated complex, which then binds to bases of DNA, causing strand scissions and cell death. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and an antibiotic agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer and reduce sides affects associated with these chemotherapeutic agents.

Antimetabolic agents are a group of drugs that interfere with metabolic processes vital to the physiology and proliferation of cancer cells. Actively proliferating cancer cells require continuous synthesis of large quantities of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other vital cellular constituents. Many of the antimetabolites inhibit the synthesis of purine or pyrimidine nucleosides or inhibit the enzymes of DNA replication. Some antimetabolites also interfere with the synthesis of ribonucleosides and RNA and/or amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis as well. By interfering with the synthesis of vital cellular constituents, antimetabolites can delay or arrest the growth of cancer cells. Examples of antimetabolic agents include, but are not limited to, fluorouracil (5-FU), floxuridine (5-FUdR), methotrexate, leucovorin, hydroxyurea, thioguanine (6-TG), mercaptopurine (6-MP), cytarabine, pentostatin, fludarabine phosphate, cladribine (2-CDA), asparaginase, and gemcitabine. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and a antimetabolic agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer and reduce sides affects associated with these chemotherapeutic agents.

Hormonal agents are a group of drug that regulate the growth and development of their target organs. Most of the hormonal agents are sex steroids and their derivatives and analogs thereof, such as estrogens, androgens, and progestins. These hormonal agents may serve as antagonists of receptors for the sex steroids to down regulate receptor expression and transcription of vital genes. Examples of such hormonal agents are synthetic estrogens (e.g. diethylstibestrol), antiestrogens (e.g. tamoxifen, toremifene, fluoxymesterol and raloxifene), antiandrogens (bicalutamide, nilutamide, flutamide), aromatase inhibitors (e.g., aminoglutethimide, anastrozole and tetrazole), ketoconazole, goserelin acetate, leuprolide, megestrol acetate and mifepristone. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and a hormonal agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer and reduce sides affects associated with these chemotherapeutic agents.

Plant-derived agents are a group of drugs that are derived from plants or modified based on the molecular structure of the agents. Examples of plant-derived agents include, but are not limited to, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine, vinzolidine and vinorelbine), podophyllotoxins (e.g., etoposide (VP-16) and teniposide (VM-26)), taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel and docetaxel). These plant-derived agents generally act as antimitotic agents that bind to tubulin and inhibit mitosis. Podophyllotoxins such as etoposide are believed to interfere with DNA synthesis by interacting with topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand scission. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and a plant-derived agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer and reduce sides affects associated with these chemotherapeutic agents.

Biologic agents are a group of biomolecules that elicit cancer/tumor regression when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Examples of biologic agents include, but are not limited to, immuno-modulating proteins such as cytokines, monoclonal antibodies against tumor antigens, tumor suppressor genes, and cancer vaccines. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and a biologic agent may have therapeutic synergistic effects on cancer, enhance the patient's immune responses to tumorigenic signals, and reduce potential sides affects associated with this chemotherapeutic agent.

Cytokines possess profound immunomodulatory activity. Some cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2, aldesleukin) and interferon have demonstrated antitumor activity and have been approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic malignant melanoma. IL-2 is a T-cell growth factor that is central to T-cell-mediated immune responses. The selective antitumor effects of IL-2 on some patients are believed to be the result of a cell-mediated immune response that discriminate between self and nonself. Examples of interleukins that may be used in conjunction with MEK inhibitor include, but are not limited to, interleukin 2 (IL-2), and interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 12 (IL-12).

Interferon include more than 23 related subtypes with overlapping activities, all of the IFN subtypes within the scope of the present invention. IFN has demonstrated activity against many solid and hematologic malignancies, the later appearing to be particularly sensitive.

Other cytokines that may be used in conjunction with a MEK inhibitor include those cytokines that exert profound effects on hematopoiesis and immune functions. Examples of such cytokines include, but are not limited to erythropoietin, granulocyte-CSF (filgrastin), and granulocyte, macrophage-CSF (sargramostim). These cytokines may be used in conjunction with a MEK inhibitor to reduce chemotherapy-induced myelopoietic toxicity.

Other immuno-modulating agents other than cytokines may also be used in conjunction with a MEK inhibitor to inhibit abnormal cell growth. Examples of such immuno-modulating agents include, but are not limited to bacillus Calmette-Guerin, levamisole, and octreotide, a long-acting octapeptide that mimics the effects of the naturally occurring hormone somatostatin.

Monoclonal antibodies against tumor antigens are antibodies elicited against antigens expressed by tumors, preferably tumor-specific antigens. For example, monoclonal antibody HERCEPTIN® (Trastruzumab) is raised against human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2) that is overexpressed in some breast tumors including metastatic breast cancer. Overexpression of HER2 protein is associated with more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis in the clinic. HERCEPTIN™ is used as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer whose tumors over express the HER2 protein. Combination therapy including MEK inhibitor and HERCEPTIN® may have therapeutic synergistic effects on tumors, especially on metastatic cancers.

Another example of monoclonal antibodies against tumor antigens is RITUXAN® (Rituximab) that is raised against CD20 on lymphoma cells and selectively deplete normal and malignant CD20⁺ pre-B and mature B cells. RITUXAN® is used as single agent for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20+, B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Combination therapy including MEK inhibitor and RITUXAN® may have therapeutic synergistic effects not only on lymphoma, but also on other forms or types of malignant tumors.

Tumor suppressor genes are genes that function to inhibit the cell growth and division cycles, thus preventing the development of neoplasia. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes cause the cell to ignore one or more of the components of the network of inhibitory signals, overcoming the cell cycle check points and resulting in a higher rate of controlled cell growth—cancer. Examples of the tumor suppressor genes include, but are not limited to, DPC-4, NF-1, NF-2, RB, p53, WT1, BRCA1 and BRCA2.

DPC-4 is involved in pancreatic cancer and participates in a cytoplasmic pathway that inhibits cell division. NF-1 codes for a protein that inhibits Ras, a cytoplasmic inhibitory protein. NF-1 is involved in neurofibroma and pheochromocytomas of the nervous system and myeloid leukemia. NF-2 encodes a nuclear protein that is involved in meningioma, schwanoma, and ependymoma of the nervous system. RB codes for the pRB protein, a nuclear protein that is a major inhibitor of cell cycle. RB is involved in retinoblastoma as well as bone, bladder, small cell lung and breast cancer. P53 codes for p53 protein that regulates cell division and can induce apoptosis. Mutation and/or inaction of p53 is found in a wide ranges of cancers. WT1 is involved in Wilms tumor of the kidneys. BRCA1 is involved in breast and ovarian cancer, and BRCA2 is involved in breast cancer. The tumor suppressor gene can be transferred into the tumor cells where it exerts its tumor suppressing functions. Combination therapy including a MEK inhibitor and a tumor suppressor may have therapeutic synergistic effects on patients suffering from various forms of cancers.

Cancer vaccines are a group of agents that induce the body's specific immune response to tumors. Most of cancer vaccines under research and development and clinical trials are tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). TAA are structures (i.e. proteins, enzymes or carbohydrates) which are present on tumor cells and relatively absent or diminished on normal cells. By virtue of being fairly unique to the tumor cell, TAAs provide targets for the immune system to recognize and cause their destruction. Example of TAAs include, but are not limited to gangliosides (GM2), prostate specific antigen (PSA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (produced by colon cancers and other adenocarcinomas, e.g. breast, lung, gastric, and pancreas cancers), melanoma associated antigens (MART-1, gp100, MAGE 1,3 tyrosinase), papillomavirus E6 and E7 fragments, whole cells or portions/lysates of antologous tumor cells and allogeneic tumor cells.

An adjuvant may be used to augment the immune response to TAAs. Examples of adjuvants include, but are not limited to, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), endotoxin lipopolysaccharides, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (GKLH), interleukin-2 (IL-2), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and cytoxan, a chemotherapeutic agent which is believe to reduce tumor-induced suppression when given in low doses.

Further examples of therapeutic agents that may be used in combination with MEK inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Pl3/Akt signaling inhibitors. Examples of Pl3/Akt inhibitors that may be used in combination with MEK inhibitors include, but are not limited to, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) inhibitors. Examples of HER2 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Herceptin® (Trastruzumab) and Tykerb® (Lapatinib). Tykerb®, a small molecule that can be administered orally, inhibits the tyrosine kinase components of ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptors. Stimulation of ErbB1 and ErbB2 is associated with cell proliferation and with multiple processes involved in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Overexpression of these receptors has been reported in a variety of human tumors and is associated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival.

Still further examples of therapeutic agents that may be used in combination with MEK inhibitors include, but are not limited to, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Examples of HDAC inhibitors that may be used in combination with MEK inhibitors include, but are not limited to, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA).

EXAMPLES

Preparation of MEK Inhibitors

Various methods may be developed for synthesizing compounds according to the present invention. Representative methods for synthesizing these compounds are provided in the Examples. It is noted, however, that the compounds of the present invention may also be synthesized by other synthetic routes that others may devise.

It will be readily recognized that certain compounds according to the present invention have atoms with linkages to other atoms that confer a particular stereochemistry to the compound (e.g., chiral centers). It is recognized that synthesis of compounds according to the present invention may result in the creation of mixtures of different stereoisomers (i.e., enantiomers and diastereomers). Unless a particular stereochemistry is specified, recitation of a compound is intended to encompass all of the different possible stereoisomers.

Various methods for separating mixtures of different stereoisomers are known in the art. For example, a racemic mixture of a compound may be reacted with an optically active resolving agent to form a pair of diastereoisomeric compounds. The diastereomers may then be separated in order to recover the optically pure enantiomers. Dissociable complexes may also be used to resolve enantiomers (e.g., crystalline diastereoisomeric salts). Diastereomers typically have sufficiently distinct physical properties (e.g., melting points, boiling points, solubilities, reactivity, etc.) and can be readily separated by taking advantage of these dissimilarities. For example, diastereomers can typically be separated by chromatography or by separation/resolution techniques based upon differences in solubility. A more detailed description of techniques that can be used to resolve stereoisomers of compounds from their racemic mixture can be found in Jean Jacques Andre Collet, Samuel H. Wilen, Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolutions, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1981).

Compounds according to the present invention can also be prepared as a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt by reacting the free base form of the compound with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid. Alternatively, a pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt of a compound can be prepared by reacting the free acid form of the compound with a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic base. Inorganic and organic acids and bases suitable for the preparation of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds are set forth in the definitions section of this Application. Alternatively, the salt forms of the compounds can be prepared using salts of the starting materials or intermediates.

The free acid or free base forms of the compounds can be prepared from the corresponding base addition salt or acid addition salt form. For example, a compound in an acid addition salt form can be converted to the corresponding free base by treating with a suitable base (e.g., ammonium hydroxide solution, sodium hydroxide, and the like). A compound in a base addition salt form can be converted to the corresponding free acid by treating with a suitable acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid, etc).

The N-oxides of compounds according to the present invention can be prepared by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, N-oxides can be prepared by treating an unoxidized form of the compound with an oxidizing agent (e.g., trifluoroperacetic acid, permaleic acid, perbenzoic acid, peracetic acid, meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, or the like) in a suitable inert organic solvent (e.g., a halogenated hydrocarbon such as dichloromethane) at approximately 0° C. Alternatively, the N-oxides of the compounds can be prepared from the N-oxide of an appropriate starting material.

Compounds in an unoxidized form can be prepared from N-oxides of compounds by treating with a reducing agent (e.g., sulfur, sulfur dioxide, triphenyl phosphine, lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride, phosphorus trichloride, tribromide, or the like) in an suitable inert organic solvent (e.g., acetonitrile, ethanol, aqueous dioxane, or the like) at 0 to 80° C.

Prodrug derivatives of the compounds can be prepared by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for further details see Saulnier et al. (1994), Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, p. 1985). For example, appropriate prodrugs can be prepared by reacting a non-derivatized compound with a suitable carbamylating agent (e.g., 1,1-acyloxyalkylcarbonochloridate, para-nitrophenyl carbonate, or the like).

Protected derivatives of the compounds can be made by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A detailed description of the techniques applicable to the creation of protecting groups and their removal can be found in T. W. Greene, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999.

Compounds according to the present invention may be conveniently prepared, or formed during the process of the invention, as solvates (e.g., hydrates). Hydrates of compounds of the present invention may be conveniently prepared by recrystallization from an aqueous/organic solvent mixture, using organic solvents such as dioxin, tetrahydrofuran or methanol.

Compounds according to the present invention can also be prepared as their individual stereoisomers by reacting a racemic mixture of the compound with an optically active resolving agent to form a pair of diastereoisomeric compounds, separating the diastereomers and recovering the optically pure enantiomer. While resolution of enantiomers can be carried out using covalent diastereomeric derivatives of compounds, dissociable complexes are preferred (e.g., crystalline diastereoisomeric salts). Diastereomers have distinct physical properties (e.g., melting points, boiling points, solubilities, reactivity, etc.) and can be readily separated by taking advantage of these dissimilarities. The diastereomers can be separated by chromatography or, preferably, by separation/resolution techniques based upon differences in solubility. The optically pure enantiomer is then recovered, along with the resolving agent, by any practical means that would not result in racemization. A more detailed description of the techniques applicable to the resolution of stereoisomers of compounds from their racemic mixture can be found in Jean Jacques Andre Collet, Samuel H. Wilen, Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolutions, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1981).

As used herein the symbols and conventions used in these processes, schemes and examples are consistent with those used in the contemporary scientific literature, for example, the Journal of the American Chemical Society or the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Standard single-letter or three-letter abbreviations are generally used to designate amino acid residues, which are assumed to be in the L-configuration unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise noted, all starting materials were obtained from commercial suppliers and used without further purification. Specifically, the following abbreviations may be used in the examples and throughout the specification:

μL (microliters) Ac (acetyl) atm (atmosphere) ATP (Adenosine Triphophatase) BOC (tert-butyloxycarbonyl) BOP (bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)- phosphinic chloride) BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) CBZ (benzyloxycarbonyl) CDI (1,1-carbonyldiimidazole) DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) DCE (dichloroethane) DCM (dichloromethane) DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine) DME (1,2-dimethoxyethane) DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide) DMPU (N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea) DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) EDCI (ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride) EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Et (ethyl) acid) Et₂O (diethyl ether) EtOAc (ethyl acetate) FMOC (9-fluorenylmethoxy- g (grams) carbonyl) h (hours) HOAc or AcOH (acetic acid) HOBT (1-hydroxybenzotriazole) HOSu (N-hydroxysuccinimide) HPLC (high pressure liquid Hz (Hertz) chromatography) i.v. (intravenous) IBCF (isobutyl chloroformate) i-PrOH (isopropanol) L (liters) M (molar) mCPBA (meta-chloroperbenzoic acid) Me (methyl) MeOH (methanol) mg (milligrams) MHz (megahertz) min (minutes) mL (milliliters) mM (millimolar) mmol (millimoles) mol (moles) MOPS (Morpholinepropane- sulfonic acid) mp (melting point) NaOAc (sodium acetate) OMe (methoxy) psi (pounds per square inch) RP (reverse phase) RT (ambient temperature) SPA (Scintillation Proximity TBAF (tetra-n-butylammonium Assay) fluoride) TBS (t-butyldimethylsilyl) tBu (tert-butyl) TEA (triethylamine) TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) TFAA (trifluoroacetic anhydride) THF (tetrahydrofuran) TIPS (triisopropylsilyl) TLC (thin layer chromatography) TMS (trimethylsilyl) TMSE (2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl) Tr (retention time)

All references to ether or Et₂O are to diethyl ether; and brine refers to a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl. Unless otherwise indicated, all temperatures are expressed in ° C. (degrees Centigrade). All reactions are conducted under an inert atmosphere at RT unless otherwise noted.

¹H NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance 400. Chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Coupling constants are in units of Hertz (Hz). Splitting patterns describe apparent multiplicities and are designated as s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), m (multiplet), br (broad).

Low-resolution mass spectra (MS) and compound purity data were acquired on a Waters ZQ LC/MS single quadrupole system equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI) source, UV detector (220 and 254 nm), and evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Thin-layer chromatography was performed on 0.25 mm E. Merck silica gel plates (60F-254), visualized with UV light, 5% ethanolic phosphomolybdic acid, Ninhydrin or p-anisaldehyde solution. Flash column chromatography was performed on silica gel (230-400 mesh, Merck).

The starting materials and reagents used in preparing these compounds are either available from commercial suppliers such as the Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis.), Bachem (Torrance, Calif.), Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.), or may be prepared by methods well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, following procedures described in such standard references as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, vols. 1-17, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., 1991; Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, vols. 1-5 and supps., Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989; Organic Reactions, vols. 1-40, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., 1991; March J.: Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.; and Larock: Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989.

The entire disclosures of all documents cited throughout this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Synthetic Schemes for Compounds of the Present Invention

Compounds according to the present invention may be synthesized according to the reaction schemes shown below. Other reaction schemes could be readily devised by those skilled in the art. It should also be appreciated that a variety of different solvents, temperatures and other reaction conditions can be varied to optimize the yields of the reactions.

In the reactions described hereinafter it may be necessary to protect reactive functional groups, for example hydroxy, amino, imino, thio or carboxy groups, where these are desired in the final product, to avoid their unwanted participation in the reactions. Conventional protecting groups may be used in accordance with standard practice, for examples see T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts in “Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry” John Wiley and Sons, 1991.

To a mixture of compound A and compound B in an appropriate organic solvent (THF or DMF, etc.), is added a base, such as triethylamine (˜0.3 eq). The reaction can be stirred at 0 to 100° C. (e.g., for 12 to 72 h) to give compound C, which can be transformed to compound D with POCl₃ or POBr₃. When X₁═CH, compound D is optionally halogenated to give compound E. Upon hydrolysis with a base, such as NaOH, compound D or E can be transformed to compound F. Compound F is then submitted to a aniline G displacement reaction with LiHMDS, KHMDS, or LDA at −78° C. to 50° C. to provide compound H. EDCI or some other coupling agent (PyBop, DCC, etc.) promoted coupling reaction of H with an amine (NHR₉R₁₀) gives compound G.

Chiral components can be separated and purified using any of a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, chiral components can be purified using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In one particular variation, chiral analytical SFC/MS analyses are conducted using a Berger analytical SFC system (AutoChem, Newark, Del.) which consists of a Berger SFC dual pump fluid control module with a Berger FCM 1100/1200 supercritical fluid pump and FCM 1200 modifier fluid pump, a Berger TCM 2000 oven, and an Alcott 718 autosampler. The integrated system can be controlled by BI-SFC Chemstation software version 3.4. Detection can be accomplished with a Watrers ZQ 2000 detector operated in positive mode with an ESI interface and a scan range from 200-800 Da with 0.5 second per scan. Chromatographic separations can be performed on a ChiralPak AD-H, ChiralPak AS-H, ChiralCel OD-H, or ChiralCel OJ-H column (5μ, 4.6×250 mm; Chiral Technologies, Inc. West Chester, Pa.) with 10 to 40% methanol as the modifier and with or without ammonium acetate (10 mM). Any of a variety of flow rates can be utilized including, for example, 1.5 or 3.5 mL/min with an inlet pressure set at 100 bar. Additionally, a variety of sample injection conditions can be used including, for example, sample injections of either 5 or 10 μL in methanol at 0.1 mg/mL in concentration.

In another variation, preparative chiral separations are performed using a Berger MultiGram II SFC purification system. For example, samples can be loaded onto a ChiralPak AD column (21×250 mm, 10μ). In particular variations, the flow rate for separation can be 70 mL/min, the injection volume up to 2 mL, and the inlet pressure set at 130 bar. Stacked injections can be applied to increase the efficiency.

In each of the above reaction procedures or schemes, the various substituents may be selected from among the various substituents otherwise taught herein.

Descriptions of the syntheses of particular compounds according to the present invention based on the above reaction scheme are set forth herein.

Examples of MEK Inhibitors

The present invention is further exemplified, but not limited by, the following examples that describe the synthesis of particular compounds according to the invention.

Example 1 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid

Methyl 7-hydroxy-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate (1a)

Triethylamine (0.5 mL, 3.6 mmol) was added to a mixture of dimethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate (16.3 mL, 111 mmol) and 5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole (10 g, 101 mmol), and the reaction stirred for 72 h. The white solid was collected by filtration, rinsed with ether, and dried under vacuum to give 15.8 g (75%) of compound 1a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 11.11 (s, 1H), 5.54 (s, 1H), 3.94 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.36 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.02-2.11 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₀H₁₁NO₄, 210. found 210.

Methyl 7-chloro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate (1b)

Compound 1a (8.0 g, 38.3 mmol) was stirred in phosphorous oxychloride (20 mL, 218 mmol) at RT. Dimethylaniline (1 mL, 7.9 mmol) was added, and the reaction stirred for 16 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo, quenched with ice, and made basic with sat. NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous solution was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in a 20% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ and insoluble inorganic salts were removed by filtration. Organics were concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography (75% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂) to give 6.02 g (69%) of compound 1b as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 6.46 (s, 1H), 3.99 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.04-2.14 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m⇄H] calc'd for C₁₀H₁₀ClNO₃, 228, 230. found 228, 230.

Methyl 7-chloro-6-fluoro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate (1c)

Compound 1b (1.36 g, 5.98 mmol) was stirred in DMF (10 mL) at 88° C. Selectfluor® (2.54 g, 7.17 mmol) in DMF (8 ml) was added dropwise, and the reaction stirred for 1 h. Additional Selectfluor® (1.2 g, 3.39 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added, and the reaction stirred 1 h longer. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and purified by silica gel chromatography (75% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂) to give 460 mg (31%) of compound 1c as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.18 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.37 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.20-2.28 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₀H₉ClFNO₃, 246, 248. found 246, 248.

7-Chloro-6-fluoro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (1d)

Compound 1c (460 mg, 1.9 mmol) was stirred in a solution of THF (10 mL), MeOH (5 mL), and 1N NaOH (5 mL) at RT for 20 h. The solution was made acidic with 1N HCl and extracted (3×) with CHCl₃. Organics were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give 380 mg (88%) of compound 1d as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.15 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.31 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.19-2.27 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₉H₇ClFNO₃, 232, 234. found 232, 234.

6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (Example 1)

Compound 1d (240 mg, 1.04 mmol) and 2-fluoro-4-iodoaniline (493 mg, 2.08 mmol) stirred in dry THF (10 ml) at 0° C. under nitrogen. LiHMDS (1M in THF, 3.11 mL, 3.11 mmol) was added dropwise, and the reaction stirred 4 h while warming to RT. The solution was quenched with 1N HCl and extracted with 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ (3×). Organics were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel chromatography (10% to 16% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) gave 238 mg (53%) of Example 1 as a tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-d₄): δ 7.22-7.31 (m, 2H), 6.67 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 4.06 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.45 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.05-2.15 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₅H₁₁F₂IN₂O₃, 433. found 433.

Example 2 (R)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

Example 1 (82 mg, 0.19 mmol), (R)-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxyamine (see Bailey et al., J. Med. Chem., 34, 1991, 51-65; 56 mg, 0.38 mmol), and HOBt (28 mg, 0.21 mmol) were stirred in CH₂Cl₂ (4 mL) with DMF (0.5 mL) at r.t. EDC (47 mg, 0.25 mmol) and then triethylamine (40 μL, 0.29 mmol) were added, and the reaction stirred for 16 h. The solution was washed with 0.1N HCl and brine, dried (MgSO₄), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was stirred in MeOH (2.0 mL) and water (200 μL) with p-toluensulfonic acid (16 mg, 0.08 mmol) for 4 h. Triethylamine (50 μL) was added, and the solution was concentrated in vacuo. Purification by prep-HPLC gave 48 mg (48%) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 11.50 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.57 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.79 (t, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.77-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.63-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.17 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.01-2.09 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈F₂IN₃O₅, 522. found 522.

Example 3 N-(1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared from Example 1 and O-(2-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)hydroxylamine (see, WO05/110410) in 30% yield according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 2. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.36 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.30 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.59 (t, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 4.07 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.78-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.23 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.10-2.20 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈F₂IN₃O₅, 522. found 522.

Example 4 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-indolizine-8-carboxylic acid (2-tert-butoxy-ethoxy)-amide (4a)

Example 1 (656 mg, 1.52 mmol), HATU (870 mg, 2.28 mmol) and N-Methylmorpholine (835 μL, 7.59 mmol) were stirred in DMF (7.6 mL) at r.t. for 10 min. O-(2-tert-Butoxy-ethyl)-hydroxylamine (303 mg, 2.28 mmol) was added, and the reaction stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. Purification by prep-HPLC gave 730 mg (73%) of compound 4a as a beige solid. MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₂₁H₂₄F₂IN₃O₄, 548. found 548.

6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide (Example 4)

Compound 4a (730 mg, 1.33 mmol) was dissolved in TFA (4 mL) and stirred at r.t. for 1 hour. Purification by prep-HPLC gave 393 mg (60%) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.47 (br s, 1H) 8.06 (br s, 1H) 7.58 (dd, 1H, J=10.7, 1.6 Hz) 7.42 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz) 6.80 (td, 1H, J=8.7, 2.8 Hz) 4.01 (t, 2H, J=7.3 Hz) 3.77 (t, 2H, J=4.8 Hz) 3.45 (t, 2H, J=4.8 Hz), 3.18 (t, 2H, J=7.7 Hz) 2.11-2.16 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₇H₁₆F₂IN₃O₄, 492. found 492.

Example 5 (S)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared from Example 1 and (S)-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxyamine (see, Bailey et al., J. Med. Chem., 34, 1991, 51-65) in 12.5% yield according to the procedure for the preparation of Example 2. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD) δ 7.39 (dd, 1H, J=10.2, 1.9 Hz) 7.33 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.0 Hz) 6.75 (td, 1H, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz) 4.05 (t, 2H, J=7.3 Hz) 3.59-3.81 (m, 3H) 3.45 (d, 2H, J=5.3 Hz) 3.16 (t, 2H, J=8.0 Hz) 2.08-2.20 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈F₂IN₃O₅, 522. found 522.

Example 6 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-8-(3-hydroxyazetidine-1-carbonyl)-2,3-dihydroindolizin-5(1H)-one

Example 1 (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) was added to a suspension of 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (50 mg, 0.46 mmol), HATU (132 mg, 0.35 mmol), and N-methylmorpholine (0.13 mL, 1.15 mmol) in DMF (3 mL). The reaction was heated to 75° C. for 5 hours and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in DMSO (1.5 mL) and methanol (1.5 mL) and purified via preparative HPLC (25/70 acetonitrile/water) to give 74 mg (76%) of the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.11 (s, 1H), 7.59 (dd, 1H, J=10.6, 1.8 Hz), 7.72 (dd, 1H, J=8.6, 1.7 Hz), 6.88 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 5.32 (s, 1H), 4.31-4.48 (m, 2H), 4.05-4.15 (m, 1H), 3.98 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz), 3.83-3.94 (m, 1H), 3.72 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 2.89-3.06 (m, 2H), 2.06-2.12 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆F₂IN₃O₃, 488. found 488.

Example 7 7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxamide

Methyl 8-hydroxy-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7a)

Dimethyl-1,3-acetonedicarboxylate (8.1 g, 46.6 mmol) was added to a mixture of triethylamine (0.26 mL, 1.86 mmol) and o-methylvalerolactin (4.8 g, 42.4 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting crystals were filtered and washed with diethyl ether to give 5.35 g (52%) of compound 7a as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 10.89 (s, 1H), 5.59 (s, 1H), 3.80 (t, 2H, J=6.2 Hz), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.74 (t, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 2.45-2.57 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.69 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₁H₁₃NO₄ 224. found 224.

Methyl 8-chloro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7b)

Methyl 8-hydroxy-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7a, 2 g, 9.52 mmol, 1 eq) was suspended in phosphorous oxychloride (5.3 ml, 57 mmol, 6 eq) and dimethylaniline (242 μl, 1.9 mmol, 0.2 eq) under nitrogen and stirred at RT for 16 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo, quenched with ice and made basic with sat. NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue triturated in 20% MeOH/DCM. Inorganic salts were removed by filtration and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The resulting solid was purified by flash chromatography using 75% EtOAc/DCM as eluent to give the title compound as a white solid. (1.43 g, 63%) [M+H] calc'd for C₁₁H₁₂ClNO₃, 242. found, 242

Methyl 8-chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7c)

Methyl 8-chloro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7b, 1.23 g, 5.1 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in DMF (10 ml) at 88° C. Selectfluor (3.61 g, 10.2 mmol, 2 eq) in DMF (10 ml) was added drop wise and the mixture heated for 2 hours. After concentration in vacuo the residue was purified by flash chromatography using 20-70% EtOAc/Hexane as eluent to give the title compound as an off-white solid (600 mg, 45%). [M+H] calc'd for C₁₁H₁₁ClFNO₃, 260. found, 260

8-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid (7d)

Methyl 8-chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate (7c, 600 mg, 2.43 mmol) was dissolved in THF (10 ml) and MeOH (5 ml). 1N NaOH (5 ml) was added and the solution stirred at RT overnight. The solution was acidified with 4N HCl then extracted into DCM and the aqueous washed ×3 with DCM. The organic portions were evaporated to give the title compound which was used without further purification (426 mg, 72%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 1.61-1.79 (m, 4H) 2.83 (t, J=6.06 Hz, 2H) 3.94 (t, J=6.32 Hz, 2H) 13.75 (br. s., 1H) [M+H] calc'd for C₁₀H₉ClFNO₃, 246. found, 246.

7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid (7e)

8-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid (7d, 426 mg, 1.74 mmol, 1 eq) and 2-fluoro-4-iodoaniline (827 mg, 3.49 mmol, 2 eq) were mixed in anhydrous THF (10 ml) at 0° C. under N₂. 1N lithium hexamethyldisilazide in THF (5.23 ml, 5.23 mmol, 3 eq) was added drop wise and the mixture stirred for 4 hours while allowing the temperature to return to RT. The solution was evaporated and purified by flash chromatography using 10-16% MeOH in DCM as eluent. This afforded the title compound as a tan solid (216 mg, 28%). [M+H] calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃F₂IN₂O₃, 447. found, 447.

7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxamide (Example 7)

7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid (7e, 216 mg, 0.48 mmol, 1 eq), O-(2-tert-butoxyethyl)hydroxylamine (129 mg, 0.97 mmol, 2 eq) and N-hydroxybenzotriazole (82 mg, 0.53 mmol, 1.1 eq) were stirred in DCM (12 ml) and DMF (1.5 ml). 1-Ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (111 mg, 0.58 mmol, 1.2 eq) and triethylamine (101 μl, 0.73 mmol, 1.5 eq) were added and the solution stirred at RT for 16 hours. After washing with 0.1N HCl (30 ml) then brine (30 ml) the organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in TFA and stirred for 2 hours then the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by HPLC to give the title compound as a white solid (58 mg, 24%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD) δ ppm 1.75-1.90 (m, 2H) 1.90-2.01 (m, 2H) 2.76-2.90 (m, 2H) 3.14 (d, J=3.28 Hz, 2H) 3.49 (d, J=3.28 Hz, 1H) 3.68-3.77 (m, 1H) 3.89 (t, J=4.29 Hz, 2H) 3.99-4.10 (m, 2H) 5.50 (s, 1H) 6.83-6.95 (m, 1H) 7.39-7.52 (m, 2H) [M+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈F₂IN₃O₄, 506. found, 506.

Example 8 7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

Ethyl 7-hydroxy-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate (8b)

Compound 8a (Aust. J. Chem., 1999, 52, 1013-1020, 7 g, 32.3 mmol) was added to a mixture of triethylamine (0.16 mL, 1.15 mmol) and 2-methoxy-1-pyrroline (2.9 g, 29.4 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 days. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting solid was filtered and washed with diethyl ether to give 1.83 g (22%) of the title compound as a white solid powder. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 11.47 (s, 1H), 4.33 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 4.00 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.44 (t, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 2.03-2.16 (m, 2H), 1.83 (s, 3H), 1.33 (t, 3H, J=7.1 Hz). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₂H₁₅NO₄, 238. found 238.

Ethyl 7-chloro-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate (8c)

Compound 8b (659 mg, 2.8 mmol) was stirred in phosphorous oxychloride (1.5 mL, 15.8 mmol) at RT. Dimethylaniline (0.07 mL, 0.56 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 16 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo, quenched with ice, and made basic with sat. NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueous solution was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in a 20% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ and insoluble inorganic salts were removed by filtration. Organics were concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography (75% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂) to give 450 mg (63%) of compound 8c as a white solid. MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₂H₁₄ClNO₃, 256. found 256.

7-Chloro-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (8d)

Compound 8c (225 mg, 0.88 mmol) was stirred in a solution of THF (4 mL), MeOH (2 mL), and 1N NaOH (2 mL) at r.t. for 20 h. The solution was made acidic with 1N HCl and extracted (3×) with CHCl₃. Organics were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give 190 mg (95%) of compound 8d as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 13.16 (s, 1H), 4.01 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 3.26 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 1.96-2.17 (m, 5H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₀H₁₀ClNO₃, 228. found 228.

7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (8e)

Compound 8d (183 mg, 1.04 mmol) and 2-fluoro-4-iodoaniline (384 mg, 1.62 mmol) stirred in dry THF (8 ml) at 0° C. under nitrogen. LiHMDS (1M in THF, 2.4 mL, 2.4 mmol) was added dropwise, and the reaction stirred 4 h while warming to RT. The solution was quenched with 1N HCl and extracted with 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ (3×). Organics were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel chromatography (10% to 20% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) gave 76 mg (22%) of compound 8e as a tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ7.57 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz), 7.37 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 6.38 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 3.41 (t, 2H, J=8.1 Hz), 2.06-2.09 (m, 2H), 1.61 (s, 3H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₆H₁₄FIN₂O₃, 429. found 429.

7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide (Example 8)

Compound 8e (76 mg, 0.23 mmol) was added to a suspension of O-(2-tert-butoxy-ethyl)-hydroxylamine (see, WO05/110410, 47 mg, 0.36 mmol), HATU (103 mg, 0.27 mmol), and N-methylmorpholine (0.10 mL, 0.90 mmol) in DMF (3 mL). The reaction was heated to 75° C. for 16 h and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting oil was dissolved in 3 mL of TFA and allowed to stir at RT for 2 h. Then MeOH (3 mL) was added and made basic with potassium carbonate. It was allowed to stir for 30 minutes, the solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in DMSO (1.5 mL) and methanol (1.5 mL) and purified by preparative HPLC (25/40 water/acetonitrile) to give 4 mg (5%) of Example 8 as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD): δ 7.43 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz), 7.33 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 6.43 (t, 1H, J=8.6 Hz), 4.14 (t, 2H, J=7.3 Hz), 3.85 (m, 2H), 3.67 (m, 2H), 3.29 (t. 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.09-2.27 (m, 2H), 1.83 (s, 3H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₈H₁₉FIN₃O₄, 488. found 488.

Example 9 7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

7-Chloro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (9a)

Compound 1b (800 mg, 3.52 mmol) was stirred in a solution of THF (10 mL), MeOH (5 mL), and 1N NaOH (5 mL) at r.t. for 20 h. The solution was made acidic with 1N HCl and extracted (3×) with CHCl₃. Organics were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give 637 mg (85%) of compound 9a as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 13.17 (s, 1H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 3.99 (t, 2H, J=7.4 Hz), 3.32 (t, 2H, J=7.8 Hz), 1.95-2.21 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₉H₈ClNO₃, 214. found 214.

7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid (9b)

Compound 9a (637 mg, 3.0 mmol) and 2-fluoro-4-iodoaniline (1.42 g, 6.0 mmol) stirred in dry THF (20 ml) at 0° C. under nitrogen. LiHMDS (1M in THF, 9.0 mL, 9.0 mmol) was added dropwise, and the reaction stirred 4 h while warming to r.t. The solution was quenched with 1N HCl and extracted with 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ (3×). Organics were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting white solid was collected to give 202 mg (15%) of compound 9b. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 10.01 (s, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.28 (t, 1H, J=8.9 Hz), 5.36 (s, 1H), 3.93 (m, 2H), 3.46 (t, 2H, J=7.7 Hz), 2.04-2.06 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₅H₁₂FIN₂O₃, 415. found 415.

7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide (Example 9)

Compound 9b (202 mg, 0.49 mmol) was added to a suspension of O-(2-tert-butoxy-ethyl)-hydroxylamine (see, WO05/110410, 130 mg, 0.98 mmol), HATU (279 mg, 0.74 mmol), and N-methylmorpholine (0.27 mL, 2.45 mmol) in DMF (3 mL). The reaction was heated to 75° C. for 16 h and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting oil was dissolved in 3 mL of TFA and allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 h. Then MeOH (3 mL) was added and made basic with potassium carbonate. It was allowed to stir for 30 minutes, the solid was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in DMSO (1.5 mL) and methanol (1.5 mL) and purified by preparative HPLC (25/40 water/acetonitrile) to give 46 mg (20%) of Example 9. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD): δ 7.62 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.8 Hz), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 7.16 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 5.64 (s, 1H), 3.97-4.18 (m, 4H), 3.60-3.86 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.01-2.33 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₇H₁₇FIN₃O₄, 474. found 474.

Example 10 6-Chloro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

Example 9 (22 mg, 0.047 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (2 mL) and N-chlorosuccinimide (8 mg, 0.056 mmol) was added and the reaction was allowed to stir at r.t. for 4 hr. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by preparative HPLC (25/35 water/acetonitrile) to give 5 mg (21%) of the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD): δ 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.50 (dd, 1H, J=10.0, 1.6 Hz), 7.44 (m, 1H), 6.87 (t, 1H, J=8.6 Hz), 4.17 (t, 2H, J=7.8 Hz), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.34 (m, 2H), 3.17 (t, 2H, J=7.4 Hz), 2.43 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₇H₁₆ ClFIN₃O₄, 508. found 508.

Example 11 7-(4-Ethynyl-2-fluorophenylamino)-6-fluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide

Example 4 (25 mg, 0.051 mmol), TMS-acetylene (6 mg, 0.051 mmol), copper iodide (1 mg, 0.0005 mmol), triethylamine (1.0 mL, 0.014 mmol), and dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (1 mg, 0.0005 mmol) were stirred in 1:1 THF/DMF (2 mL) at room temperature for 3 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and purified by silica gel chromatography (10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give a tan oil. The intermediate was dissolved in 1:1 THF/MeOH (2 mL) and solid potassium carbonate (14 mg, 0.10 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for 1 hr. The potassium carbonate was filtered off and the solution was concentrated in vacuo and purified by prep HPLC (25/50, water/acetonitrile) to give 12 mg (60%) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-d₄): δ 7.15-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.00 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 4.16 (t, 1H, J=7.3 Hz), 3.83-3.84 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.69 (m, 2H), 3.51 (s, 1H), 3.27 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.28 (s, 1H), 2.24 (m, 2H). MS (ES) [m+H] calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇F₂N₃O₄, 390. found 390.

In addition to the foregoing, the above reaction schemes and variations thereof can be used to prepare the following:

Biological Testing

The activity of compounds as MEK inhibitors may be assayed in vitro, in vivo or in a cell line. Further, compounds according to the present invention may be screened for activity against one or more MEKs. Provided below are assays for activity against MEK1 and ERK1.

Purified MEK1, MEK2 and ERK1 may be obtained as follows.

For MEK1, DNA encoding residues 2-393 (del aa 32-51, S218E/S222D) of the full-length sequence of the human enzyme may be amplified by PCR and cloned into the BamHI/XbaI sites of pFastbac (Invitrogen), which incorporates a 6-histidine tag at the N-terminus. The deletion from residues 32-51, and the two mutations, S218E and S222D, may be obtained by quick change PCR. SEQ ID NO: 1 corresponds to residues 2-393, with deletion from residues 32-51 and mutations S218E/S222D, and with the N-terminal 6-histidine tag. SEQ ID NO: 2 is the DNA sequence that was used to encode SEQ ID NO: 1.

For MEK2, DNA encoding residues 1-400 (S222E/S226D) of the full-length sequence of the human enzyme may be amplified by PCR and cloned into pFastbac (Invitrogen), which incorporates a 6-histidine tag at the N-terminus. The two mutations, S222E and S226D, may be obtained by quick change PCR. SEQ ID NO: 3 corresponds to residues 1-400 with mutations S222E/S226D, and with the N-terminal 6-histidine tag and SEQ. I.D. No. 4 is the DNA sequence that was used to encode SEQ ID NO: 3.

For ERK1, DNA encoding residues 1-379 of the full-length sequence of the human enzyme may be amplified by PCR and cloned into the SmalI/SalI sites of pGEX-6p-3 (GE Healthcare), which incorporates a GST tag at the N-terminus. SEQ ID NO: 5 corresponds to residues 1-379 with the N-terminal GST tag. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the DNA sequence that was used to encode SEQ ID NO: 5.

Recombinant baculovirus incorporating the MEK1 and MEK2 constructs may be generated by transposition using the Bac-to-Bac system (Invitrogen). High-titer viral stocks may be generated by infection of Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells; the expression of recombinant protein may be carried out by infection of Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 (Invitrogen) in 5 L Wave Bioreactors (Wave Biotech).

Recombinant protein may be isolated from cellular extracts by passage over ProBond resin (Invitrogen). Partially purified extracts of all MEK1 may then be further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography over a SEC2000 gel filtration resin. The purity of MEK1 and MEK2 proteins may be determined on denaturing SDS-PAGE gel. Purified MEK1 and MEK2 may then be concentrated to a final concentration of 3.4 mg/ml and 5.4 mg/ml, respectively. The proteins may be either stored at −78° C. in a buffer containing 50 mM TRIS-HCl pH 7.6, 250 mM NaCl, 0.1 mM EDTA and 0.125 mM TCEP or at −20° C. in the presence of glycerol (final concentration of glycerol at 50%).

Recombinant protein incorporating the ERK1 constructs may be generated by transformation of the expression vector into an E. coli strain HD5α (Invitrogen). To express ERK1 protein, the transformated E. coli strain may be cultured at 37° C. C until OD0.6, and then induced by adding IPTG to final concentration of 0.5 mM, and continue to culture the cell overnight at 25° C.

Recombinant ERK1 protein may be isolated from cellular extracts by passage over Glutathione (Amersham). Partially purified extracts of ERK1 may then be further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography over a BioSep SEC3000 gel filtration resin. The purity of ERK1 protein may be determined on denaturing SDS-PAGE gel. Purified ERK1 may then be concentrated to a final concentration of 1.9 mg/ml. The proteins may be either stored at −78° C. in a buffer containing 25 mM TRIS-HCl pH 7.6, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA and 0.25 mM TCEP or at −20° C. in the presence of glycerol (final concentration of glycerol at 50%).

It should be noted that a variety of other expression systems and hosts are also suitable for the expression of MEK1 and ERK1, as would be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.

The inhibitory properties of compounds relative to MEK1 or MEK2 may be determined using a black 384-well-plate format under the following reaction conditions: 50 mM HEPES pH 7.3, 10 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% Brij35, 1 nM MEK1 or 4 nM MEK2, 25 nM ERK1, 400 μM ATP, 500 nM IPTTPITTYFFFK-5FAM-COOH (FI-Erktide), and 1% DMSO. Reaction product is determined quantitatively by fluorescent polarization using progressive IMAP beads from Molecular Devices.

The assay reaction may be initiated as follows: 2 μl of the mixture of 1.5 μM FI-Erktide and 75 nM ERK with 2 μl of inhibitor (2 fold serial dilutions for 11 data points for each inhibitor) containing 3% DMSO were added to each well of the plate, followed by the addition of 2 μl of the mixture of 3 nM MEK1 or 12 nM MEK2 and 1200 μM ATP to initiate the reaction (final enzyme concentration was 1 nM for MEK1 or 4 nM for MEK2). The reaction mixture may then be incubated at room temperature for 22 min, and quenched and developed by addition of 20 μl of 1:200 dilution of progressive IMAP beads (Molecular Devices) in 80% buffer A, 20% buffer B and 0.003% Tween 20. Fluorescence polarization of the resulting reaction mixtures may be measured after a 1 hour incubation at room temperature.

IC₅₀ values may be calculated by non-linear curve fitting of the compound concentrations and fluorescence polarization signal to the standard IC₅₀ equation. IC₅₀ values for select compounds are given in Table 1.

TABLE 1 IC₅₀ of Exemplified Compounds Against MEK1 EXAMPLE IC₅₀ (nM) 1 ≦100 2 ≦100 3 ≦100 4 ≦100 5 ≦100 7 ≦100 8 ≦100 9 ≦100 10 ≦100 11 ≦100

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the compounds, compositions, kits, and methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A compound of the formula:

or a tautomer, enantiomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of CR₄; X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each —CH₂—; n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4; Y₁ and Y₂ are each O; R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₂ is hydrogen; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, (C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and halo(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; R₉ is hydrogen; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl; each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl; and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl; Group A is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, oxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, carbonyloxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, carbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, oxycarbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, aminocarbonyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfonamido optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, imino substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, sulfonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, sulfinyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B; and Group B is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: (R)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (S)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxamide; 7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 6-Chloro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-(4-Ethynyl-2-fluorophenylamino)-6-fluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 6-chloro-N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-(4-ethynyl-2-fluorophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (R)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (S)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yloxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; 7-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-6-fluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (R)-6-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (S)-6-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; (R)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; and (S)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of each of the above-mentioned compounds.
 3. The compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 1. 4. The compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 2. 5. The compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 3. 6. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 7. The compound according to any one of claim 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 8. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 9. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a phenyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 10. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 11. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a naphthyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 12. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 13. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, alkoxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A and (C₃₋₈)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 14. The compound according to any one of claim 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, methylthio, methoxy, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethynyl, n-propanolyl and cyclopropyl.
 15. The compound according to any one of claim 1, 3, 4, or 5, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ comprises:

wherein R_(14a), R_(14b), R_(14c), R_(14d) and R_(14e) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 16. The compound according to claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₄ is hydrogen.
 17. The compound according to claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₄ is halo.
 18. The compound according to claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of (C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A and halo(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 19. The compound according to claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₄ is methyl.
 20. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is (R)—N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)-6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 21. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 7-(2-Fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 22. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 23. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 7-Fluoro-8-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 24. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is present in a mixture of stereoisomers.
 25. The compound according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 20 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound comprises a single stereoisomer.
 26. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient a compound according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 21, 22, or 23, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 27. A compound of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X₁ is CR₄; X₂, X₃ and X₄ are each independently selected from the group consisting of —CR₅R₆—; n is selected from the group consisting of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4; Y₁ and Y₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of O, S and NR₈; R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₂ is hydrogen; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxyamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfonamido optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, imino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₂₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, carbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfonyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfinyl(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, amino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, imino(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and halo(C₁₋₅)alky; R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, oxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, hydroxy, carbonyloxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, carbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, oxycarbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group A, aminocarbonyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfonamido optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, imino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfonyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfinyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl; and R₈ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl; Group A is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, oxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, carbonyloxy substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, carbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, oxycarbonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, aminocarbonyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfonamido optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, imino substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, sulfonyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, sulfinyl substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B; and Group B is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy, (C₄₋₁₂)aryloxy, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryloxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino, sulfonamido, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, carbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, thiocarbonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfonyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, sulfinyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₁₋₁₀)azaalkyl, imino(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, hetero(C₈₋₁₂)bicycloaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)bicycloalkyl, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl, hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl, (C₉₋₁₂)bicycloaryl and hetero(C₄₋₁₂)bicycloaryl.
 28. The compound according to claim 27, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X₂ is —CH₂—, X₃ is —CH₂—, and X₄ is —CH₂—.
 29. The compound according to any one of claims 27 or 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 1. 30. The compound according to any one of claims 27 or 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 2. 31. The compound according to any one of claims 27 or 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is
 3. 32. The compound according to claim 29, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Y₁ is O.
 33. The compound according to claim 30, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Y₁ is O.
 34. The compound according to claim 32, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Y₂ is O.
 35. The compound according to claim 33, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Y₂ is O.
 36. The compound according to claim 34, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 37. The compound according to claim 35, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, (C₄₋₁₂)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and hetero(C₁₋₁₀)aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 38. The compound according to claim 36, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, methylthio, methoxy, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethynyl, n-propanolyl and cyclopropyl.
 39. The compound according to claim 37, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, cyano, methylthio, methoxy, trifluoromethoxy, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethynyl, n-propanolyl and cyclopropyl.
 40. The compound according to claim 34, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ comprises:

wherein R_(14a), R_(14b), R_(14a), R_(14d) and R_(14e) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 41. The compound according to claim 35, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ comprises:

wherein R_(14a), R_(14b), R_(14c), R_(14d) and R_(14e) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 42. The compound according to claim 34, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ comprises:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B; R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B; (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 43. The compound according to claim 35, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ comprises:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B; R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B; (C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, and hydroxy(C₁₋₃)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 44. The compound according to claim 36, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉—, R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, or a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 45. The compound according to claim 44, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 46. The compound according to claim 37, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉—, R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 47. The compound according to claim 46, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 48. The compound according to claim 40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 49. The compound according to claim 48, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 50. The compound according to claim 41, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 51. The compound according to claim 50, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 52. The compound according to claim 42, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 53. The compound according to claim 52, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 54. The compound according to claim 43, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₅O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; and R₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A.
 55. The compound according to claim 54, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 56. The compound according to claim 36, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 57. The compound according to claim 56, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 58. The compound according to claim 37, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl; L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 59. The compound according to claim 58, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 60. The compound according to claim 40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 61. The compound according to claim 60, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 62. The compound according to claim 41, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉— R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl; L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 63. The compound according to claim 62, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 64. The compound according to claim 42, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉—, R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl; L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 65. The compound according to claim 64, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 66. The compound according to claim 43, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ is R₁₁O-L—O—NR₉—, R₉ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A, and a halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group A; R₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and (C₁₋₅)alkyl; L is —(CR₁₂R₁₃)_(m)—; m is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, thio substituted by a substituent selected from Group B, hydroxy, (C₁₋₁₀)alkoxy optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, amino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkylamino optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, halo(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hydroxy(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, aryl(C₁₋₁₀)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, heteroaryl(C₁₋₅)alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, (C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B, hetero(C₃₋₁₂)cycloalkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Group B.
 67. The compound according to claim 66, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₉ is hydrogen.
 68. The compound according to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 69. The compound according to claim 59, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 70. The compound according to claim 61, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 71. The compound according to claim 63, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 72. The compound according to claim 65, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 73. The compound according to claim 67, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each R₁₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl and each R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, (C₁₋₅)alkyl, and hydroxy(C₁₋₅)alkyl.
 74. The compound according to claim 42, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 75. The compound according to claim 43, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 76. The compound according to claim 53, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 77. The compound according to claim 55, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 78. The compound according to claim 72, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 79. The compound according to claim 73, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(14a) is selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and methyl and R_(14c) is selected from the group consisting of iodo and bromo.
 80. A compound selected from the group consisting of: 6-Fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid; 6-fluoro-7-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-8-(3-hydroxyazetidine-1-carbonyl)-2,3-dihydroindolizin-5(1H)-one; and 3-fluoro-4-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-oxo-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-3,5-diene-5-carboxamide; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the above-mentioned compounds.
 81. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient a compound according to claim 27 and a pharmaceutical excipient.
 82. A compound selected from the group consisting of Methyl 7-hydroxy-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate, Methyl 7-chloro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate, 7-Chloro-6-fluoro-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid, 8-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid, Methyl 8-chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate, 8-Chloro-7-fluoro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylic acid, and Methyl 8-chloro-6-oxo-2,3,4,6-tetrahydro-1H-quinolizine-9-carboxylate, Ethyl 7-hydroxy-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate, Ethyl 7-chloro-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylate, and 7-Chloro-6-methyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroindolizine-8-carboxylic acid; or the salts thereof. 